Letter: Where is the fairness in plan to send us waste?

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2002 | 9:09 a.m.

It should come as no surprise that the Department of Energy wants to increase the size of its deliveries to the proposed radioactive waste dump at Yucca Mountain. As things stand, Nevada will receive unlimited radioactive waste, with no compensation.

Despite assurances that Nevada residents are safe, adding additional waste adds to the risk. We simply do not know where the limits are, as our state continues to run up a high budget deficit, and we continue to be exploited by the federal government.

As this new proposal of additional waste comes forward, Nevada residents face additional risks, with no opportunity to say "enough is enough." Why should this state be singled out to become the national radioactive waste dump?

As things stand, there is nothing to negotiate. We get unlimited nuclear waste in order to make the residents of other states feel safe. Where is the equity or fairness in this plan?

ERIC STEFIK

archive