June 29, 2010

Washington, DC – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today made the following statement on the decision by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Construction Authorization Board to deny the license application for a nuclear repository at Yucca Mountain:

“While I am disappointed in the board's decision, the full commission will likely take another look at the motion to withdraw the license application and make the final decision on behalf of the NRC in the coming months.  Nevadans can rest assured that as the majority leader of the Senate, I will continue working with President Obama and Secretary Chu to ensure Nevada never becomes the nation's nuclear dumping ground,” Reid said.  “It makes no sense to ship 77,000 tons of the most toxic substance known to man across the country to bury it 90 miles away from the world's premier tourist destination.  Our country has some of the best scientific minds in the world and I am confident they can come up with a safer solution to deal with the nation's nuclear waste.  I will continue to ensure that this dangerous project never comes back to life.  The safety and security of Nevadans is my top priority.” 

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