Mayors weigh nuke resolution to ban nuke waste transport

Diana Sahagun

Monday, June 17, 2002 | 10:42 a.m.

More than 200 U.S. mayors were considering a resolution this morning that asks Congress to prohibit the transportation of high-level nuclear waste unless all cities along the route receive funds, training and equipment to protect against an accident.

A 14-member committee of mayors on Saturday approved an amended version of a resolution that was sponsored by Nevada leaders who oppose Yucca Mountain. The amended resolution was also supported by pro-Yucca mayors.

A pro-Yucca resolution proposed by three U.S. mayors was not introduced on Saturday. Instead, the mayors of Augusta, Ga.; Little Rock, Ark., and Charlotte, N.C., added their support to Nevada's resolution with minor changes.

The amended resolution, before the full U.S. Conference of Mayors in Madison, Wis., asks Congress to prohibit the transportation of high-level nuclear waste unless -- beginning three years prior to any such movements -- all cities along the route receive adequate funding, training and equipment to protect the public health and safety in the event of an accident.

The resolution could be amended before the full 250 mayors take a final vote.