April 2026 Newsletter

ODOE Energy Security Manager Traci Naile and Hanford Hydrogeologist Tom Sicilia joined the Oregon Department of Emergency Management for the 2026 Oregon Prepared Conference this month.

The conference is held annually and focuses on programs, issues, best practices, and more for emergency management partners. ODOE plays an important role in emergency preparedness and response for the state as the lead agency for securing and distributing fuel in the event of an emergency or shortage. ODOE's emergency work also includes energy security, resilience, and response for radiological and nuclear events, such as a potential incident at the Hanford Nuclear Site that could affect Oregon.

Traci co-led a conference session on building energy security and resilience with Oregon Public Utility Commission Emergency Preparedness Manager Lisa Gorsuch. The panel and roundtable included representatives from Bonneville Power Administration, Eugene Water & Electric Board, Portland General Electric, Energy Trust of Oregon, and Lane County Emergency Management. Developing statewide energy security and resilience requires work among Tribal, city, county, regional, and state governments and organizations. The primary topics for the session were integrating emergency and energy planning and funding opportunities, threats to the energy sector, engagement among energy and emergency management partners, energy incident response and recovery, and fuel supply and planning.

Tom presented on the history of the Hanford Nuclear Site and Oregon's role, as well as discussing upcoming waste shipments expected to come out of Hanford in the coming years that will travel through Oregon for permanent disposal out of state. When those shipments begin, many of the attendees at the conference would help lead emergency response in the event of a shipping incident along Oregon's route.

Learn more about ODOE's emergency preparedness and energy security work on our website.