Sam Gibbons: “today I rise to share with you some disturbing numbers regarding the shipping of high-level nuclear waste to Yucca…”

“today I rise to share with you some disturbing numbers regarding the shipping of high-level nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain, Nevada. First, let me tell you it will take over 96,000 truck and rail shipments for this material to get there. These shipments will go through 44 States, 703 counties, and at least 109 major population cities. More than 7 million people live within one-half mile of the nuclear transportation routes. Close to 50 million people live within 3 miles of these shipping routes. And contrary to what the DOE espouses, nuclear waste currently stored at 77 reactor and storage sites in 39 States, is not just going to magically appear at Yucca Mountain. These shipments will come through your communities for over 38 years. The cost associated with cleaning up just one accident in your community is over $13.7 billion taxpayer dollars, not counting the health care costs associated with those affected. That is the story, Mr. Speaker, by the numbers. The sad truth is these numbers just do not add up to a plan which protects the safety and security of all Americans. I urge my colleagues to oppose the Yucca Mountain bill.”