Lisa Murkowski: “first of all, let me spend a little time thanking the efforts of Senator Bingaman from New Mexico for his efforts on…”

“first of all, let me spend a little time thanking the efforts of Senator Bingaman from New Mexico for his efforts on this bill. He and his staff have worked very, very hard. I think what we have up to this point is a much better piece of legislation as a consequence of the efforts of Senator Bingaman and his staff. In the committee markup, as I recall, Senator Bingaman had amendments touching about eight different issues, and we were able to eventually accommodate the Senator from New Mexico on seven of those. We unfortunately could not accept all the amendments, but we certainly resolved to work with him and his staff and continue to do so as we debate the substitution, and the Bingaman amendment that is before us. I think we have made progress. Progress was made on licensing requirements for the temporary storage facility. Progress was made in the application of NEPA. Progress was made on leasing standards for a permanent repository. Progress was made on preemption of other laws, and certainly progress was made on nuclear waste fee requirements. I think it is fair that we agree that Nevada should be chosen as the permanent repository. I was a little confused in his statement where he implied that it was unfair that Nevada would necessarily be chosen as the last, I guess the last possible choice or the choice of last resort, or words to that effect. We have 50 States out there and nobody wants it.”