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A few months ago, some University of California officials hinted that the UC system's 45-year stint as caretaker of the Energy Department's national labs could come to an end if DOE officials carried out a plan to open the negotiations to other bidders on soon-to-expire contracts for running the labs. The potential crisis passed, however, as DOE announced it would be negotiating exclusively with the UC system. But now, the long-standing relationship is facing another test--a suggestion by Secretary of Energy James Watkins that the university bear liability for costs associated with resolving any environmental problems at the labs. "[DOE has] discussed the possibility of making us pay," says a UC spokesman, adding that such an arrangement would be unacceptable. DOE officials downplay the seriousness of the matter. "According ...
