Letter: Let good science decide issue of Yucca Mountain

Thursday, Jan. 18, 2001 | 9:58 a.m.

Despite all the negative coverage, anti-nuclear bias and fear-mongering by some in the media, it's clear that Nevadans aren't fooled when it comes to Yucca Mountain. Yes, there are risks. But for instance, when it comes to transportation, the nuclear industry has an impressive safety record. I know we can learn a lot from our youth.

The project is gradually progressing from a study to construction phase with a site recommendation, coming possibly as early as this summer. I recommend that we let science decide the issue, not politics and some people looking to make an entrance in the political arena.

I also recommended that our state leaders look at the way they approach this project. All the science to date indicates the site will be found suitable eventually.

I used to work at the Test Site. This is a mission the workers can safely manage, but let's let the science play itself out. There's a lot of oversight in this project, but it's vital that this project is judged on good science.

I'm retired, but I'm with the Youth Forum students -- I think if Yucca Mountain is found suitable, we should receive something for helping the country solve this environmental problem.

BILL VASCONI