Approving the site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, for the development of a repository for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, pursuant to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982.

The IBEW urged support of S.J.Res 34/H.J.Res. 87, the joint resolution approving the site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, because nuclear energy produces 20 percent of our nation’s electricity – emission-free. It reduces our reliance on foreign energy sources, and provides quality jobs for thousands of Americans, including 15,000 IBEW members at 74 nuclear plants throughout the country. This legislation will ensure that the U.S. Government lives up to its lawful responsibility to take ownership of used nuclear fuel from commercial nuclear power plants and radioactive waste from national defense programs. If plants start closing down due to a lack of storage space, consumers, workers and the environment will be the decisive losers. The IBEW believes this bill is essential to the continued operation of nuclear power plants, and the preservation of family-wage jobs. (Ltr. 4/22/02).