Letter: Yucca Mountain is nothing but political football

Wednesday, May 24, 2000 | 9:27 a.m.

The elected officials seem to be falling over themselves on the issue of Yucca Mountain. Does it really matter what administration introduced the study of Yucca Mountain, and why is it such a partisan issue? I don't believe the politicians really care about the issue -- it's just their own political football that they like to play with, especially in an election year.

This political infighting among our delegation about who is more opposed to Yucca Mountain is proof positive that this is just a political game. It makes our state look foolish and waters down our credibility in the national arena.

All this rhetoric about wanting the decision on Yucca Mountain to be based on sound science is good only if the politicians will really stand by it.

Having worked at the site, I believe Yucca Mountain will be based on sound science. Remember, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has to issue a license to construct a repository. The only thing is, the licensing hearing is a technical hearing and our state is fighting this using political science and hasn't drilled one independent hole of its own. It makes me wonder who is looking out for us, because the politicians just want to get re-elected.

FORREST DARBY