Editorial: Nuke fight needs all pitching in

Friday, March 1, 2002 | 10:05 a.m.

For too long now the state government of Nevada and the four members of the state's congressional delegation have had the fight against nuclear waste burial at Yucca Mountain mostly all to themselves. Local governments also have done their part in raising their voices against the federal government's plan to forever despoil Nevada by burying deadly nuclear waste underneath Yucca Mountain, just 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas. But with President Bush's decision to accept the Department of Energy's recommendation that Yucca is suitable for the highly radioactive waste, the time has come for the state to present a truly united front. That means it's time for the captains of Nevada industry to declare themselves as solid allies of the state government and congressional delegation in the fight to protect the state's right to stand up for itself and say no to al lowing such poison within its borders.

We need this support now more than ever. That's why the overall results of a survey of major non-gaming businesses, reported Thursday by three Las Vegas Sun reporters, are worrisome. While some businesses spoke encouragingly about joining the fight, most expressed nonchalance. The Sun has already reported the lackluster support offered by the gaming industry -- $250,000 from the Nevada Resort Association and $500,000 by the American Gaming Association. Station Casinos showed more of the type of commitment needed when, on its own, it donated $50,000.

There is still time, however, for Nevada's industries -- gaming and non-gaming alike -- to coalesce and show the federal government that they stand shoulder to shoulder with the state government, the congressional delegation, and our citizens. Two polls so far this year -- one in Clark County and one statewide -- show that citizen opposition to Yucca Mountain remains overwhelming. The state Agency for Nuclear Projects, which heads Nevada's efforts to prove why Yucca Mountain is unsafe for storing nuclear waste, will be soliciting business and industry leaders in the near future. A strong response will keep Nevada's efforts alive. While powerful forces in Washington are determined to roll over any opposition from Nevada, they have not succeeded in the 20 years this has been an issue. Now, as we approach the endgame, we need to remain strong and not give any perception that our resolve has weakened. Nevada can yet win this battle, but it needs all hands on deck.