High-Security Nuclear Weapons Material Leaves Livermore Lab

LIVERMORE (CBS/AP) -- Federal officials say Lawrence Livermore Laboratory is no longer home to some high-security, special nuclear weapons materials.

The National Nuclear Security Administration say the lab will still focus on the safety, security and reliability of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile, but just with a reduced amount of nuclear material that does not require as much as security as was needed in the past.

The agency says that decision will save about $40 million in taxpayer funds.

NNSA Administrator Thomas D'Agostino says taking the materials out of Livermore is part of a national plan to consolidate special nuclear materials in as few places as possible.

The Oakland Tribune reports the materials were removed from the lab's Plutonium Facility, which is located in an area known as the "Superblock."

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed)