Washington, DC – Today Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), Dean of the Nevada Congressional Delegation, led Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) and Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) in sending a letter to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) strongly urging them to give fair and full consideration to the State of Nevada’s motion to reopen the licensing proceeding to consider motions for summary disposition related to the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository. This motion, supported by the Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects, is the first procedural step for the NRC to consider taking a vote to suspend the Yucca Mountain license application.

“The relationship between the Department of Energy (DOE) and State of Nevada has long been a difficult and painful one,” the Members wrote. “For over three decades, the Department of Energy has left open the possibility of Nevada’s becoming the dumping ground for the nation’s nuclear waste. From the time the Nuclear Waste Policy Act was signed into law in 1987, there has been resounding disapproval by Nevadans.”

“Due to the safety, financial, and environmental implications for Nevada, we strongly urge your fair and full consideration of the State of Nevada’s motion so that our State may have its voice heard in this process,” the Members concluded.

Background

Nevada’s new legal motion could bring an end to the federal plans to construct a repository for the nation’s highly radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, 65 miles northwest of Clark County’s populated areas. If the NRC were to continue pursuing a license for the Yucca Mountain Project, it would cost millions of dollars to generate new adjusted data, certify it, and conduct hearings in Nevada and the Washington, D.C. area.

Read today’s full letter here.

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