A key component of Richardson's plan is a comprehensive security reorganization at the DOE and its national laboratories. The plan calls for the creation of a new office, the Office of Security and Emergency Operations. It will be responsible for all safeguards and security policy, cyber-security, and emergency operations functions throughout the DOE. It will also oversee all security-related functions which previously were handled by different DOE program offices.

Richardson's initiative is aimed at correcting long-standing bureaucratic problems and resource deficiencies and brings more accountability to DOE's security programs, according to an official statement from his office.

"This security reform plan gives DOE the tools and authority we need to detect security infractions, correct institutional problems and protect America's nuclear secrets," said Secretary Richardson. "Coupled with previous counterintelligence and security measures we have already implemented, we are bringing more responsibility and accountability and a higher level of attention to these important matters."

Secretary Richardson said, "This new office will report directly to me and will strengthen and consolidate the management of our various security programs and will ensure the proper implementation of the many new counterintelligence and security measures I have ordered." Impacts to JLab are being discussed internally and will be reported.

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