Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Yucca issue needs a solution, not more rhetoric

The Las Vegas Sun’s Tuesday editorial — “Selling out Nevada? Some Republicans in the state are willing to make it a nuclear waste dump” — was a disappointment and in many respects a disservice to readers of average intelligence.

I have lived, worked and contributed to the Nevada economy since 1950. As a career civil engineer, I am dedicated to examining problems and formulating solutions using applied science.

A fact is before us: The Test Site area contains the remains of more than 700 nuclear tests. We the people have inherited a significant tract of real estate filled with deadly radioactive material. Intuitively I think the remains of deep underground testing will, in the future, begin to haunt us in ways vastly greater than the controlled storage and processing of spent nuclear fuel.

The lands containing the Test Site, much of Nevada and many other states belong to the people of the United States. The site should be determined in light of the health, safety and welfare of the nation.

The blame game, the political rhetoric, trying to compare the spent fuel issue to global warming, using terminology such as “nuclear waste dump,” “repudiate anyone,” etc., are counterproductive.

We have a serious national problem that needs an immediate long-term solution. This great land is blessed with many people, agencies and institutions with integrity and intelligence who, if tasked, would be willing and able to resolve the problem.

I suggest the Sun take the high road and become a catalyst toward making this happen.

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