Sam Gibbons: “we have assumed for some time that the Department of Energy has made an overwhelming effort to prove that their research…”

“we have assumed for some time that the Department of Energy has made an overwhelming effort to prove that their research on the Nation's spent nuclear fuel is based on sound science and safe for Americans. Well, Mr. Speaker, I stand before my colleagues today to ask that despite the DOE's claims that Yucca Mountain is a geologically safe place to store 77,000 tons of the Nation's nuclear waste, that we take a closer look at the truth behind these claims. Recently, Mr. Speaker, Nevadans have become aware of some very disturbing information about these DOE claims. In its final environmental impact statement, the DOE evaluated the handling, transporting and disposition of spent nuclear fuel and high level radioactive waste to Yucca Mountain. Although 131 sites across this country contain this nuclear waste and although the waste at these sites require individual attention due to radioactivity dangers, the Department of Energy has entirely neglected to evaluate the effect of waste transportation of at least 54 different sites. Mr. Speaker, this negligence is simply unacceptable.”