Angie Craig: “I first introduced this legislation in September of 1995 as S. 1271. We worked our way through the process with hearings…”

“I first introduced this legislation in September of 1995 as S. 1271. We worked our way through the process with hearings held, of course, before the Energy and Natural Resources Committee in December with additional hearings in March and in May. Finally, we have been able to craft and bring to the floor what I believe and what I call--because I think it is fair to call it that-- probably one of the most comprehensive environmental bills that has come before the Congress this year. Our Nation's high-level nuclear waste has an answer now that is responsible, fair, and environmentally friendly and is supported by a very large majority of this body and the U.S. House of Representatives. Today, high-level nuclear waste and highly radioactive used nuclear fuel is accumulating in over 80 sites in 41 States. You have heard our colleagues come to the floor and talk about their concern and the seriousness that this accumulation brings to these individual States. Today, we stand before you responsible to our country and to our Government in assuring that we will be able to comply with the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to meet the court examinations and to be able to do what our country expected us to do to facilitate this legislation.”