Editorial: Let’s help state fight Yucca plan

Monday, April 1, 2002 | 8:37 a.m.

Gov. Kenny Guinn is working hard to lay his hands on the funds needed to wage a national battle against Yucca Mountain. The battle is necessary because when Guinn vetoes President Bush's recommendation that the nation's deadly nuclear waste be buried at the mountain 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas, it will all come down to a vote in the U.S. Senate.

If 51 senators vote yes on Yucca, it could be all over. Thanks primarily to Sen. Harry Reid, Nevada has a cadre of support, but it will take another 15 or 20 senators voting with him to nail down a sure victory. A bankroll of about $10 million would enable the state to inform people in key states, through advertising, of the dangers associated with nuclear waste rolling or floating through their towns. Maybe people think it's just a truck or two for awhile or maybe they don't think about it at all. That's why they need to be told that the waste will be moving through their areas for the rest of their lives and for the lives of their children. And the need to understand the consequences in the event of an accident or terrorist strike.

Winning over the people residing in states where Yucca Mountain is not in the news every day would be a giant step toward winning over their senators. This is why a plan by Clark County Commission Chairman Dario Herrera should be embraced when the commissioners meet Tuesday. Herrera will ask that the county donate $3 million toward the good fight. State legislators should be inspired by Herrera's plan and support state appropriations over and above the millions the state is now spending on lawsuits in Washington to fight the dump. The state does not want to find itself short at a time when money could mean all the difference for its future.

We hope the County Commission will approve the $3 million. We also hope that other municipalities throughout the state, which have been generous to date, can find a way to increase their commitments to this cause as well.