Elijah Cummings: “while I do not support this bill, I do believe that we must solve our nuclear waste problem. This bill is merely a…”

“while I do not support this bill, I do believe that we must solve our nuclear waste problem. This bill is merely a temporary fix for a problem that has long-term implications. Our Nation is at a crossroads. We have benefited from nuclear technology. We are a Nation that has won wars and deterred others because of nuclear science. This technology is a cheap and efficient way to light our towns and cities. We have paid a price for this benefit. Over the last 50 years, our Nation has generated tens of thousands of tons of highly radioactive nuclear materials and waste. I cannot stress the importance of finding a permanent and viable solution to the disposal of these wastes. I have many fundamental problems with the bill before us that can be solved if the issue were given further consideration. This legislation allows for nuclear waste to be stored above ground in so-called interim storage facilities located in the State of Nevada. I am concerned that legal limitations to ensure that interim storage does not become permanent storage will be eroded. The bill does not adequately address public health and safety protections relating to transportation, interim storage, and permanent disposal of nuclear waste. My constituents in Baltimore, as customers of the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, pay into their nuclear waste fund, which is designed to cover costs of both interim storage and the permanent repository.”