    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [October 1, 1999]
    [Pages 1651-1652]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Proposed Legislation on Nuclear Waste
    October 1, 1999

        Yesterday's nuclear accident in Japan is a tragic reminder that we
    must do everything in our power to ensure safe, responsible handling of
    radioactive materials. Upon reviewing Senate bill 1287, regarding
    potential nuclear waste disposal at Yucca Mountain, I have determined
    that it would not adequately ensure the protection of public health and
    safety. If this bill is presented to me in its current form, I will veto
    it.
        I am encouraged that this latest Senate bill, the ``Nuclear Waste
    Policy Amendments Act of 1999,'' does not seek to authorize interim
    storage of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain before a thorough scientific
    analysis of the site has been completed. That would be an unconscionable
    mistake, and I have consistently opposed such proposals in the past.
    However, the bill would take away the existing authority of the
    Environmental Protection Agency to protect public

    [[Page 1652]]

    health and safety. It is vital that this authority be preserved.
        I urge the Congress to join with me in opposing this legislation and
    ensuring that we fulfill our responsibility to protect this and future
    generations.