develop and implement program performance metrics for the Office of Environmental Management (referred to in this section as the ‘Office’), in addition to the program performance metrics identified in the plan published by the Office of Environmental Management entitled ‘EM Program Plan 2022’; and

revise the program performance metrics identified in the ‘EM Program Plan 2022’ in accordance with the requirements of subsection (b).

Each metric shall be clear and the name and definition of such metric shall be consistent with the methodology used to calculate the metric.

Each metric shall have a numerical goal.

Each metric shall be reasonably free from significant bias or manipulation.

Each metric shall produce the same result under similar conditions.

The metrics shall cover the activities that the Office is expected to perform to support its mission.

Each metric shall provide new information beyond any information provided by other metrics.

The metrics shall ensure that various priorities of the Office are covered.

Each metric shall incorporate an effectiveness measure, such as quality, timeliness, and cost of service.

give first priority to addressing any issues posing an immediate risk to human health or the environment;

give second priority, as appropriate, to addressing issues based on achieving the highest risk reduction benefit per radioactive or hazardous content removed; and

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every two years thereafter until 2036, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report describing the outcomes achieved under the program performance metrics described in subsection (a) for each fiscal year covered by such report.

Each report shall identify the cost per curie, rad, or rem of radioactivity and cost per pound of hazardous content removed program-wide, by site, and by mission area.”

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 18, 2025], the Secretary of Energy shall develop a complex-wide analysis to identify optimal disposal pathways and schedules for defense radioactive waste produced by the Department of Energy (and the predecessor agencies to the Department) and managed by the Office of Environmental Management of the Department.

Not later than 15 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall develop an integrated, nationwide radioactive waste disposal plan.

Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall establish a forum for Federal and State agencies that regulate radioactive waste cleanup and disposal activities by the Office of Environmental Management.

The forum established pursuant to paragraph (1) shall holistically negotiate regulatory and other changes that could allow the Department of Energy to implement opportunities for optimal radioactive waste disposal identified pursuant to subsection (b).

the results of the optimization analysis required by subsection (a);

the nationwide disposal plan required by subsection (b); and

the initial activities of the forum established pursuant to subsection (c).

The term ‘complex’ means the set of sites across the United States where radioactive waste cleanup and disposal activities are managed by the Office of Environmental Management.

The term ‘integrated’ means inclusive of all radioactive waste across the complex.

The term ‘optimal’ means the best possible outcome, such as the lowest cost or highest profit, while following specific rules and limitations.

The term ‘regulatory constraints’ means requirements included in regulations or agreements with regulators that affect decisions regarding radioactive waste disposal pathways and schedules by the Office of Environmental Management.”