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Proposed DOE Employee Compensation Act

Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant
USEC
Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant

By Rose Krzton-Presson

Murray, KY – U. S. Representatives Ed Whitfield of Kentucky and Jared Polis of Colorado joined to introduce bipartisan legislation today that may benefit workers at Paducah's Gaseous Diffusion Plant. The bill is called the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Amendment Act. In a statement from Whitfield's office the bill will help ensure former employees at certain Department of Energy sites (including the Paducah's Gaseous Diffusion Plant) receive the benefits they have earned. The bill would also add transparency to the program charged with administering compensation for Dept of Energy employees exposed to toxic substances on the job. Such compensations would include up to $250,000 plus medical expenses for injuries attained on the job. It is unclear when the bill will be taken up in Committee.