Rep. Gabe Vasquez Successfully Prevents Termination of Nuclear Waste Office’s Lease, Ensuring Continued Service for Carlsbad Community

WASHINGTON, DC-Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) formally received notification from the General Services Administration (GSA) that ithas revoked its prior notice to terminate the lease of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) office in Carlsbad. The decision ensures that the office at 4021 National Parks Hwy remains operational, preserving critical resources and services for the local community.

The lease, which was previously set for termination on August 31, 2025, has now been officially reinstated by GSA. This reversal follows Rep. Vasquez's proactive and vocal efforts to prevent the closure, working closely with local stakeholders and federal agencies.

"The attempted closure of the WIPP office was reckless and short-sighted," said Vasquez."I stood up for Carlsbad workers and our national security interests as soon as I heard of this potential closure. I'll continue holding the administration accountable when uninformed decisions threaten the livelihoods of New Mexicans."

The WIPP office is a vital hub for operations supporting the nation's only deep geologic repository for transuranic radioactive waste. Keeping the office open means maintaining the strong partnership between the Department of Energy, local contractors, and the surrounding community.

While Rep. Vasquez's office has received a formal notification from GSA that the office lease will not be terminated, the DOGE website still lists the lease as a "saving" for Americans. This disconnect between an unelected bureaucrat's agency and the Department of Energy has caused confusion for local leaders and families.

"The Carlsbad community deserves stability and a commitment from the federal government - not last-minute decisions that disrupt people's lives and threaten our nation's national security," Vasquez added.

The letter from the General Service Administration's notification is below.

Official notice of revocation of Lease Amendment TRM under lease number LNM14421 .

Dear CARLSBAD PARTNERS LLC,

This letter shall serve as written notice of the Government's revocation of its prior notice to exercise termination rights and revocation of Lease Amendment #TRM, dated 8/31/2025. Lease number LNM14421 located at 4021 National Parks Hwy Carlsbad, NM 88220 is in full force and effect.

If you have any questions, please contact Leasing@gsa.gov.

Thank you for making your space available to the Government.

Sincerely,

Eduardo Vidal

National Lease Contracting Officer

Lessor Acknowledgement

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