Editorial: Red-letter day in the Yucca fight

Tuesday, April 9, 2002 | 8:48 a.m.

Today could very well be one of the most critical yet in the 20-year fight against the federal government's plans for Yucca Mountain. Gov. Kenny Guinn officially informed Nevadans and Congress on Monday that he is vetoing President Bush's recommendation to bury 77,000 tons of high-level nuclear waste under the ridge 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Today, however, with an outdoor news conference on the Capitol grounds and a speech to the National Press Club, Guinn began the most critical phase of Nevada's fight -- getting the word out to the country's general population.

In Nevada, we have been hearing for the past decade all the reasons why Yucca Mountain will not work as the nation's single burial site for the world's deadliest material. But millions of people in other states are only vaguely aware, if that, of the burial plan's national implications.

The federal government does not have an interest in releasing balanced information -- it has 20 years and billions of dollars invested in its Yucca plan. The nuclear power industry, certainly, is not being square on the issue, having spread $30 million around in Washington over the past 10 years to sway votes its way. Other state governments aren't jumping in to help -- the dump isn't within their borders, after all. Environmental groups are helping, but they do not reach uncommitted people in any great numbers.

So that leaves Nevada. We have about three months, maybe less, before Congress votes to sustain or override Guinn's veto. So far we have two high-powered lobbyists working Capitol Hill and a number of lawsuits in the works. The Nevada Protection Fund -- a special fund set up to fight Yucca -- has about $6 million thanks to appropriations from the state and local governments and donations from businesses and individuals. The Legislative Interim Finance Committee, we believe, should vote for another $3 million -- already approved by the Board of Examiners -- when it meets Wednesday. A no vote would give ammunition to the pro-Yucca forces in Washington. But a yes vote would make more money available for a national advertising campaign. If we reach enough people, we may reach enough U.S. senators -- 51 are needed -- to sustain Guinn's veto.

At a rally Monday morning, Guinn urged all Nevadans to pitch in at least $1. We hope people get into the spirit of that request. Maybe another million could be raised. More importantly, it would show the nation that behind the ad campaigns and speeches, Nevadans are united in their opposition to this very dangerous plan.