Impact of nuke waste routes sought

Thursday, April 12, 2001 | 11:14 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The health and safety of residents in 43 states could be seriously harmed if Congress decides to locate a high-level nuclear waste dump in Nevada, according to a resolution up for consideration today by the Senate Transportation Committee.

Senate Joint Resolution 11 asks Congress to order federal agencies to prepare an environmental impact statement on the transportation of radioactive materials from sites across the nation to Yucca Mountain, about 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

Sen. Jon Porter, R-Henderson, sponsor of the resolution, said transportation has been left out of the general environmental impact study, because the government fears people in other states would raise concerns about safety.

The government doesn't want to delay the "accelerated process" that would designate Yucca Mountain as the burial site, he said.

According to the resolution, co-sponsored by Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, and 12 senators, an environmental study of the routes for waste shipments would show by a "preponderance of evidence" that there would be "significantly more harm to the nation's health and welfare than any benefits derived from the proposed Yucca Mountain repository."

The Legislature has already passed a resolution informing Congress the state will veto any designation of Yucca Mountain as the nuclear dumpsite.

Other resolutions and bills also are before the Senate Transportation Committee urging Congress to reroute the shipments outside of Las Vegas and to require specific safety measures at Yucca Mountain.

But those resolutions and bills have run into stiff criticism. Opponents complain the measures suggest Nevada would be willing to accept the nuclear waste under certain conditions. Critics say the measures would weaken Nevada's opposition.

Those bills and resolutions appear to be stuck in committee.

SJR11 is supported by critics of the other legislation. Testimony backing the measure is expected from representatives of Gov. Kenny Guinn; Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa; Mayors Oscar Goodman of Las Vegas, Bob Ferraro of Boulder City, Mike Montandon of North Las Vegas and Jim Gibson of Henderson; Clark County Commissioner Myrna Williams; Bob Loux, executive director of the state Agency for Nuclear Projects; and Stephen Cloobeck, head of a citizens task force against Yucca Mountain.

The resolution asks Congress to order the Energy Department to study the effect on people who live near highways, rail routes and on schools and water systems.

The resolution also calls for public hearings at sites across the nation that would be affected by the high-level waste shipments.