Jim Matheson: “last year I spoke in opposition to the approval of Yucca Mountain as a site for the Nation's nuclear waste and I rise…”

“last year I spoke in opposition to the approval of Yucca Mountain as a site for the Nation's nuclear waste and I rise again to urge support for the Porter-Udall amendment to reduce funding for Yucca. My home state, Utah, produces no nuclear waste. However, we are engaged in our own battle against storing out of state nuclear waste at a site called Skull Valley. Our neighbor, the State of Nevada also produces no nuclear waste. Yet, this Congress insists that Nevada should bear the responsibility for housing thousands of tons of spent fuel. Not only is Nevada expected to house this waste, but states like Utah are expected to allow the transportation of these hazardous, life-threatening fuel rods through our neighborhoods. This great Nation depends on the concept of shared responsibility. The transportation of this waste throughout the Nation is a huge risk that has not been properly considered. In the event of an accident, either at Yucca or on the way to Yucca, all of our fellow Americans will be forced to live with the consequences. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing funding for Yucca Mountain and in supporting the Porter-Udall amendment.”