Political Quotes

“Are we saying that senators and representatives are not concerned with the views of the constituents who live in Sierra Blanca or any other locations where these facilities are sited? Are we trying to override the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, that are all referenced, I might add, in the conference report? None of this can be sited anywhere on Earth without regard to environmental and public health and safety questions. It has to go through a process. In fact, the Senator from Minnesota mentioned two administrative law judges in Texas who have been conducting evidentiary hearings on the license application to construct and operate this disposal site. And the judges issued a proposal for decision on the application in Hudspeth County saying they needed more information in two aspects of the potential site. And the appropriate Texas agency is now taking the recommendation under consideration and responding on the safety question. And the judges want more information as to whether there are any negative socioeconomic impacts in this facility to the citizens and to tourism. So environmental justice is being considered. This isn't ignoring those issues. That is why this legislation is site-neutral, because we want the appropriate agencies and statutes at the Federal, State and local levels to take hold and determine what is the safest location, respecting the wishes of a community.”