Commission is discussing alternatives to Yucca Mountain for nuclear waste

March 26, 2010

Washington, D.C.—Nevada Senator Harry Reid today praised the first meeting of the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future, which marked the beginning of the effort to find safe and scientifically sound alternatives to Yucca Mountain for dealing with nuclear waste.  Reid and Secretary Chu held a number of discussions last year on the best way to move forward with the commission.  They agreed that the fastest way to launch the commission was for Secretary Chu to use his authority to organize it.

“I am glad to see the commission getting started on the critical work of finding a safe and secure way to manage nuclear waste in America,” said Reid. “The commission is charting a course that will allow the nation to permanently move past the failed Yucca project. I look forward to hearing their findings.”

Former Congressman Lee Hamilton , who served as the vice chair of the 9/11 commission, and General Brent Scowcroft, National Security Advisor under presidents Ford and George H.W. Bush are the co-chairs of this commission. Along with Secretary Chu they have made it abundantly clear that the Blue Ribbon Commission will look towards the future, and that storage at Yucca Mountain is off the table. The commission will continue to hold regular public meetings, take public comment, and do a tremendous amount of work to develop their final recommendations by January 2012.