Editorial: Yucca takes a back seat

Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004 | 9:07 a.m.

We understand the urgency associated with the war on terrorism. Even still, there are other issues that must remain a priority. That's why we were taken aback Monday as Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., explained why he and fellow Nevada Republicans, Gov. Kenny Guinn and Rep. Jim Gibbons, haven't aggressively confronted President Bush with their opposition to Yucca Mountain.

On the Las Vegas Sun's televised news show, "Face to Face With Jon Ralston," Ensign said, "(Yucca Mountain) is a major issue, but there is a global war on terrorism, there is the economy, there are many other issues." Other issues? In Nevada, whose future for the rest of time is threatened by this proposed nuclear waste dump, there is no issue more important.

Ensign did concede, in a backhanded sort of way, that John Kerry is better for Nevada than President Bush when it comes to Yucca Mountain. "On this one issue (Yucca Mountain)," Ensign told Ralston, "he's (Kerry's) been better than George Bush, but that's on one issue."

And we would add: The one issue that means the most to Nevada.