Notorious ex–weapons factory will lock up nuclear waste in glass—if the White House lets it.

The article focuses on the impending opening of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Hanford vitrification plant, which aims to begin the process of entombing radioactive waste in glass logs, a significant step in cleaning up one of the world's most polluted sites. Despite this progress, concerns have arisen among state and local officials regarding potential changes in the cleanup strategy, particularly the possibility of shifting to a cheaper method involving cement-like grout instead of vitrification. The article highlights the historical context of the Hanford site, the challenges faced in the cleanup process, and the ongoing debate over the most effective and safe methods for managing the hazardous waste. Washington state officials have expressed their commitment to uphold the original cleanup agreement, emphasizing the importance of vitrification over grout. [Extracted from the article]