The NNSA, an agency in the Department of Energy, released plans Tuesday calling for the consolidation of its gas transfer system research to the Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico and California, the NNSA reported.

The NNSA's gas transfer system is part of the nuclear process enabling the radioactive isotope tritium to boost the yield of a nuclear weapon. Officials say the consolidation of the research is part of the NNSA's long-term plan to decrease the size of the U.S. nuclear complex to address 21st century security needs.

"This is one example of our efforts to downsize, streamline and clarify work throughout NNSA's national security enterprise," Robert Smolen, NNSA deputy administrator for defense programs, said in a statement.

"Like any business, we are taking steps to eliminate redundancies and create focused mission centers at our sites."