December 16, 2011

Washington, DC – Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement today after Yucca Mountain received zero funding in a year-end funding bill that passed the House of Representatives.  Additionally, Reid blocked an attempt by House Republicans to prevent the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) from closing out Yucca Mountain licensing activities:

“Once again, Congress will not appropriate a single dime to make Nevada the nation’s dumping ground for nuclear waste.  Despite the best efforts of House Republicans, President Obama and Congress have made a decision to end this dangerous project.  I commend President Obama for keeping his word to Nevadans to prevent the most dangerous substance known to man from being stored 90 miles away from the world’s premier tourist destination. 

“Yucca Mountain was never a good idea and it’s time to move on towards real solutions that ensure Americans’ health and safety.  The Blue Ribbon Commission will soon finish its work on recommendations for safely and securely managing nuclear waste, and I look forward to their final report.”

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