Dr. David Michaels said he will continue to be involved in planning and drafting the final details of the federal-compensation program for nuclear-plant workers who became sick or died because of work-related exposure to radioactive materials.
Michaels was the U.S. Department of Energy’s assistant secretary for environment, safety and health for two years in the Clinton administration.
Some members of Congress had hoped the Bush administration would ask Michaels to stay on, at least until Aug. 1, when the program is to be implemented.
“I have not been asked to stay on, but I will stay involved from the outside,” he said, “either as a consultant or on advisory committees.”
Michaels expressed confidence that the worker compensation program will have the same high priority with the Bush administration as it had under Clinton.
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jwthompson@tribune.com
