Continuing to emphasize openness at the Department of
Energy, Secretary Hazel O’Leary proposed reforms Oct. 17 to protect
whistleblowers. Employees who raise concerns about fraud or safety,
for example, would be protected against retaliation and litigation
costs related to lawsuits brought against them by contractors, and
the agency would form a special department for employee concerns.
“We have zero tolerance for reprisal,” says O’Leary. “These are
technically competent people who should be celebrated and brought
back into the fold.” For a copy of the new proposals or to submit
comments, which are due by Dec. 2, write the Office of Contract
Employee Protection, FM-40, Department of Energy, 1000 Independence
Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20585.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Blow, whistleblowers, blow.
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