Political Quotes

“Over 24 years; that is 4,300 shipments. In comparison to 300 million hazardous material shipments that take place annually in the United States today with no notice given because these are military shipments associated with the breakup of reactors, most associated with our nuclear Navy fleet. That is strict guidelines for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Transportation. In testimony before the Senate Energy Committee, both the NRC and the DOT testified they can and will take all precautions necessary for safe and secure transportation. As I am sure the Senator from Pennsylvania is aware, the transportation is in nearly impenetrable casks. For every 1 ton of spent fuel there are 4 tons of protective shielding. The casks have to pass the test to ensure there will be no breach. Tests show they can withstand a 120-mile-per-hour crash into a concrete wall and prolonged exposure to fires at 1,475 degrees. Some of that will depend, of course, on routing and volume. But 175 shipments is a responsible estimate. Annual numbers, as I indicated, depend on transportation plans and the combination of truck or train is not yet decided. This will be decided under the licensing process. It is fair to say we will have another opportunity for input on the adequacy of the transportation plan once the licensing process is undertaken. The action of the Senate today will lead to that next step.”