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Senate committee recommends Kate Gleeson for Central Interstate Low‑Level Radioactive Waste Commission
Summary
The Senate Utilities Committee voted to recommend confirmation of Kate Gleeson to serve as Kansas' commissioner on the Central Interstate Low‑Level Radioactive Waste Commission after a brief hearing in which Gleeson described her environmental regulatory background and plans to consult state stakeholders about the commission's value.
Kate Gleeson, deputy director for environment at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, was recommended by the Senate Utilities Committee for appointment as Kansas' commissioner to the Central Interstate Low‑Level Radioactive Waste Commission.
Gleeson told the committee she has served about a year and a half as deputy director and previously worked about 10 years as an attorney handling environmental programs, including air, remediation, waste, water and field services. "It's a pleasure ... to provide some information about my ... appointment to the Central Interstate Low Level Radioactive Waste Commission," Gleeson said.
The commission, she said, was formed in 1985 and currently comprises four states: Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Gleeson told the committee that Kansas currently ships its low‑level radioactive waste to disposal facilities in Texas and Utah and that the commission's work focuses on tracking amounts of waste generated and disposed and coordinating among states that generate such waste.
Gleeson said her initial goals would be to learn more about the commission's activities and to consult hospitals, laboratories, the state laboratory and Wolf Creek (the state's nuclear plant) to determine whether continued Kansas participation adds value. "My purpose in joining the commission is first to become more familiar with the work that it does and the value it may or may not add ... and then to engage with those stakeholders," she said.
Senator Bowser moved that the committee recommend the Senate approve Gleeson's appointment pursuant to KSA 65‑34a02; Senator Francisco seconded the motion. The committee approved the recommendation by voice vote.
Because state statute requires Senate confirmation for the post, Gleeson will proceed to the full Senate for consideration. The committee hearing on the appointment was brief and drew supportive comments from multiple senators who said they were familiar with Gleeson's prior testimony before related panels.
