CONTACTS: Linda Rozett/David Felipe
(202)463-5682/888-249-NEWS

Thursday, April 25, 2002

U.S. Chamber Hails Successful 'Next Step' for Yucca Mountain; House Committee Swiftly Votes to Send Resolution to the Floor
 
Washington D.C. -- The United States Chamber of Commerce applauded members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee today for their quick work in passing a resolution to move forward with Yucca Mountain as a permanent site for nuclear waste and spent fuel.

"This vote reflects a genuine commitment on the part of lawmakers to find a solution to the nation's growing nuclear waste storage problem," said Bruce Josten, U.S. Chamber executive vice president for government affairs. "The scientific study that has come out of Nevada in the past 20 years clearly indicates that Yucca Mountain can be a reliable and safe facility."

The resolution to override Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn's objection to Yucca Mountain passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee in a 41-6 vote.  The matter will now move to the House floor for debate and vote.

Extensive scientific and geological tests in the last two decades have been administered at a cost of nearly $4 billion to U.S. taxpayers and have determined the site to be safe from both natural and human security threats.  The site would take nuclear waste and spent fuel from over 130 current storage facilities in 38 states and bury it deep below the desert floor at Yucca.

"Nuclear power now generates 20% of this country's electricity and is increasingly important to our military as well," continued Josten.  "If a long-term national energy plan is to include nuclear power, Yucca Mountain must be approved and put to use." 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses of every size, sector and region.

# # #

02-81