Political Quotes

“According to Mr. Panetta, the President opposes our bill since it would designate Nevada as the interim site without determining the viability of Yucca Mountain, NV, as a permanent repository. Let me provide the White House with a little factual information. Senate bill 1936, which Senator Craig and I have proposed, prohibits, specifically prohibits, the construction of an interim facility in Nevada until December 31, 1998. That is after the determination of Yucca's suitability. That is as a consequence of Senator Johnston's input. The Panetta letter says that 'the bill weakens existing environmental standards by preempting all Federal, State, and local laws.' The facts of the matter, Senate bill 1936 does not provide NEPA waivers and other provisions in our earlier bill, Senate bill 1271. We do not permit, however, environmental laws to be misused or to have to go back and revisit decisions made by Congress in this bill, decisions such as the fact that we will have an interim facility and that will be in Nevada after the Yucca Mountain site has been shown to be viable. Mr. President, everybody should understand the permanent repository effort continues at Yucca Mountain.”