Bob Filner: “I rise today in honor and in thanks to two powerful ``Bills.'' Not the legislation we introduce here, but as in Bill…”

“I rise today in honor and in thanks to two powerful ``Bills.'' Not the legislation we introduce here, but as in Bill Richardson and Bill Hedden, for their work to move the largest uranium mine tailings pile that has ever threatened the drinking water in the United States. Secretary of Energy, Bill Richardson, and Bill Hedden, the Utah Conservation Director of the Grand Canyon Trust, are two lifesaving ``Bills'' who have shown incredible leadership in pushing to move a uranium tailings pile that currently sits only 750 feet away from the Colorado River near Moab, Utah. A few days ago, Secretary Richardson unveiled an innovative agreement that would result in moving the tailings pile that is slowly leaching radioactive waste into the Colorado River. And just last night, our other hero, Bill Hedden, was honored by the Project on Government Oversight, or POGO, for his tireless efforts to move this poisonous pile. Both men see how important it is to move the tailings pile, which is as big as 118 football fields, rather than capping it in its place. This capping would only ensure that the poisonous waste would continue to leach into the Colorado River for up to 3 centuries. Because of these visionary ``Bills,'' 25 million people who live down the Colorado River and who depend on it for their drinking water not be doomed to poor ``bills'' of health from the pollution.”