The Jobs, Not Waste Act Would Repeal The Law That Established Yucca Mountain As A Repository For Nuclear Waste, While Requiring A Study To Determine Economic Viability Of Other Uses For The Site
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced legislation to repeal the law that led to the designation of Yucca Mountain as a repository for the nation’s nuclear waste, and examine job-creating benefits of other uses for Yucca Mountain, such as a data center, a command facility for defense activities, a scientific research center, or other alternative uses. The Jobs, Not Waste Act also would withdraw and terminate the licensing proceeding for Yucca Mountain from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s review process, and require the Department of Energy to reclaim and mitigate any adverse environmental impacts to the site as result of the application review.
“Nevadans do not want nuclear waste in our backyards, and any attempt to restart the failed Yucca Mountain project is unacceptable,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Rosen to ensure no nuclear waste comes to Yucca Mountain and to explore alternative uses that support working families and prioritize the safety of all Nevadans.”
“Nevada has made it abundantly clear that we will not be the nation’s dumping ground for nuclear waste,” said Senator Rosen. “I’ve been fighting alongside colleagues on both sides of the aisle for years to prevent Yucca Mountain from moving forward. As House Republicans attempt to revive this project, I’m introducing legislation to ban Yucca Mountain from being a nuclear waste repository and instead examine other uses for it to create good-paying jobs.”
Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts to ensure Yucca Mountain, a scientifically and geologically unsuitable site, remains dead. Last year, she and Senator Rosen introduced bicameral legislation to guarantee state, tribal, and local officials have a seat at the table and the ultimate decision-making authority when a permanent nuclear waste repository is proposed in their backyards. The Senators also sent a letter to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to reiterate their strong opposition to Yucca Mountain and urge the Department to continue its commitment to a consent-based siting process. Additionally, they send an annual letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee requesting that no funding be included in any appropriations bills for Yucca Mountain.
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