During his final virtual public town hall of the year, Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Thom Mason told about 200 online viewers tuning in from across the region that the Laboratory's mission is on solid footing in fiscal year 2026, with bipartisan support ongoing in Washington, projected budgets anticipated to be stable and continued hiring in some areas.
He also addressed several topics close to home — traffic, housing, and environmental stewardship — recognizing both the progress made and the work still ahead.
Continued federal support
Mason highlighted that, even amid shifting political landscapes, recognition for the Laboratory's national security role remains steady and strong. Global tensions have only underscored the importance of the Lab's work, and early signals from the new administration suggest continued — possibly even increased — support.
Significant progress in major mission areas
Operations at PF-4 have now transitioned to a full 24/7 schedule to keep pace with a significant workload. Mason noted that the Laboratory continues to meet production goals for plutonium pits, a key part of the nation's broader effort to modernize the nuclear deterrent.
While the Lab celebrated the first diamond-stamped pit last October, Mason explained that future production numbers will not be publicly shared due to classification constraints. What he could say: The pits being produced meet all necessary requirements for national security.
Other major highlights included the safe and successful venting and shipment of Flanged Tritium Waste Containers, ongoing progress on the Electric Capacity Upgrade Project, and the Lab's key partnerships in AI-focused initiatives including the recently announced Genesis Mission — a national initiative to build the world's most powerful scientific platform to accelerate discovery science, strengthen national security and drive energy innovation.
Budget outlook appears positive
Although Congress has not finalized a budget this year, early indications point to a strong year ahead for the Laboratory. The institution is expecting a potential increase to roughly $5.8 billion, about 12% more than last year's budget request.
Despite a turbulent federal funding environment this fall, the Lab was able to avoid workforce impacts thanks to careful financial planning. Mason acknowledged that the uncertainty was challenging — but emphasized that mission work continued without major disruption.
Traffic and housing pressures easing
Mason shared that traffic issues around the Laboratory seem to be "less acute" than in recent years. Several factors contribute to this: hiring has returned to a more sustainable pace, roadway improvements, particularly on N.M. 4, are helping flow, and on-site enforcement efforts are reducing unsafe driving behaviors.
Housing availability is also beginning to improve as developers respond to increased demand. While challenges remain, momentum is moving in the right direction, Mason said.
Continued focus on environmental stewardship
Mason acknowledged the community's concern after recent reports that a plume of hexavalent chromium migrated onto Pueblo de San Ildefonso land. He clarified that the cleanup effort is managed by the Department of Energy’s Environmental Management Los Alamos Field Office and its contractor, N3B, as part of the long-term legacy cleanup program established in 2015.
The hexavalent chromium contamination dates back to Cold War operations when potassium dichromate—the active ingredient hexavalent chromium— was used in cooling systems and water containing the material was discharged into Sandia Canyon. Since discovery of the plume in 2004, a pump-and-treat system has worked to control its spread.
Q&A
To close the event, Mason took questions live from audience members. Click ahead to the time-stamps noted below to hear his answers:
- Chromium plume cleanup (23:25)
- Genesis Mission (25:53)
- Advancements in AI research (29:07)
- Congressional funding package (31:55)
- Pit production (33:55)
- Balancing pit production and environmental/community needs (36:18)
- Impacts of additional hiring (37:34)
- Dynamic Imaging, Isotope production (41:08)
- Gross Receipts Tax increase (44:57)
- New contract and program opportunities (47:58)
- Opportunities for non-PhD job seekers (49:33)
- Opportunities for non-weapons nuclear activities (52:09)
- Thoughts on the Lab's future (55:44)
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