Rubén Hinojosa: “The Doggett language, as agreed to by the House and which is also included in the Senate bill, must be kept as part of…”

“The Doggett language, as agreed to by the House and which is also included in the Senate bill, must be kept as part of the conference language. Why? Because the Doggett language guarantees that we do what is right and that is to ensure no low-level radioactive waste is brought into Texas from any State other than Maine or Vermont. Sierra Blanca is an inappropriate site for intensely radioactive materials. The consequence of placing this waste in an area that is earthquake-prone is reason enough to support the Doggett language. Add to that the potential threat that would be posed to the Rio Grande River, and I believe it is quite obvious why we would want to preserve this language in conference. With nuclear power waste, I think it is pretty safe to say we do not get a second chance. Would we want this in our community without appropriate safeguards? I do not think so. And that is all my colleague is seeking to do, make certain safeguards are in place. I urge my colleagues to vote to preserve this language in conference.”