List asked to reconsider decision

Cy Ryan and Mary Manning

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2001 | 10:39 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Three Democratic leaders in the Legislature Tuesday called on former Republican Gov. Bob List to reconsider his decision to represent the nuclear industry, which is promoting a nuclear waste dump at Yucca Mountain.

Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins of Henderson, Assembly Majority Leader Barbara Buckley of Las Vegas and Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, also of Las Vegas, sent a letter to List.

The lawmakers wrote that the former governor's decision was "disturbing and disappointing," and that it sends a mixed message to Washington.

They noted the past Legislature passed a strong resolution opposing the waste repository. The resolution urged a full investigation into allegations of Department of Energy bias favoring the nuclear industry.

List has signed on with the Nuclear Energy Institute, which is pushing for the federal government to designate Yucca Mountain as the nation's repository for nuclear waste.

"I fully understand and respect the role of the Legislature in protecting the health and safety of Nevadans and the environment of our state," List said. "That is their job."

List said he was not advocating the Yucca Mountain project.

"I'm simply helping prepare for the potential if it happens," he said. "My responsibility is to help the private sector of business and labor to plan for that potential if Yucca Mountain is developed as a repository and to help maximize the economic benefits if it happens."

List said he would not support the project if scientists find it unsafe.

Buckley noted GOP Gov. Kenny Guinn is a strong opponent of Yucca Mountain, but said there is "some reluctance" among Republicans to join the fight.

The majority leader said she hoped the GOP would follow them in suggesting that List pull out.

The Legislature, the congressional delegation, Guinn and two former governors -- Richard Bryan and Bob Miller -- have joined the fight against the repository.

The group said they respect the right of an individual to advocate any point of view either as a private citizen or in the course of earning a livelihood.