Editorial: Don’t mess with nuke standards

Monday, July 24, 2000 | 9:54 a.m.

The General Accounting Office recently reported that two key federal agencies still are at an impasse over what radiation standards should be used for a proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain. The GAO also added that it doesn't believe this dispute will be settled anytime soon -- unless there is congressional intervention. Such political interference, however, would be a disaster based on Congress' previous track record when it comes to the disposal of nuclear waste. Indeed, if Congress were to get involved it certainly would establish a radiation standard that would be to the nuclear power industry's liking, not in the best interests of protecting public safety.

As the U.S. Department of Energy's investigation into Yucca Mountain's suitability moves forward, part of the controversy has shifted to what public health and safety guidelines should be met before a repository can be built. Supporters of the repository are concerned that if the Environmental Protection Agency's strict radiation standards are imposed, Yucca Mountain could cost billions of dollars more than anticipated, which could potentially derail the project. In contrast, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which would have to license Yucca Mountain if it is deemed suitable by the DOE, wants less stringent standards. This isn't too surprising since the NRC is more a chum than a regulator when it comes to its relationship with the nuclear power industry.

If there ever was an issue crying out for more than one agency to look out for the public's safety, it is the disposal of man's deadliest waste. Congress already has politicized this process to the point that it is a sham -- only one site is under review, not several. For that matter, if there are legitimate differences on what constitutes safety, the federal government should opt for the standard that offers the most assurances that the public will be protected from danger. Congress already has done enough harm by politicizing what should be a scientific investigation -- it should forgo meddling in this scientific establishing radiation standards.