[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 59 (Friday, May 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              YUCCA MOUNTAIN REPOSITORY SITE APPROVAL ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2002

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, nuclear power has a role to play in our 
nation's energy policy. Our government must fulfill its obligation to 
store radioactive waste. The transportation and security concerns 
associated with Yucca Mountain can be overcome. However, by allowing 
this project to proceed, we do nothing to address the ongoing 
production of more nuclear waste.
  I cannot support this resolution without a national policy to reduce 
additional nuclear waste. Forty years of nuclear power production in 
the United States has left a disturbing legacy--45,000 tons of 
radioactive waste stored in more than 70 communities. While this 
resolution recognizes the need for Yucca Mountain to store old waste, 
it does nothing to address the new waste currently being produced. With 
new waste being produced every day, Yucca Mountain will be full even 
before it opens. Today's debate should be about the future of nuclear 
energy and how we deal with its toxic debris.
  Congress and the nuclear power industry must join together in an 
effort to reduce, recycle and minimize nuclear waste production. Unless 
our nation accepts the very real environmental and economic costs of 
nuclear energy, coal and oil, we will continue to perpetuate our 
addiction to unsustainable sources of energy. My constituents have 
expressed their frustration at our collective failure to take 
responsibility for our nation's nuclear energy policy. My vote is their 
voice on this issue. We must look comprehensively at our future energy 
policy and develop long-term, sustainable energy sources.

                          ____________________