Rep. Rosen Files Amendment to Repurpose Yucca Mountain Project, Create Jobs for Nevadans

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Jacky Rosen (NV-03) filed an amendment to H.R. 3053, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act, to prohibit the Department of Energy from taking any action relating to the licensing, planning, development, or construction of a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain until the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) submits a study to Congress on the economic viability and job-creating benefits of alternative uses of the Yucca Mountain site.

The job-creating benefits and alternative uses for the Yucca Mountain site could include: defense activities, such as a command facility for unmanned aircraft systems; a secure electronic data center; the development of renewable energy sources; or scientific research.

"I'm using every tool at my disposal to put an end to this Administration's reckless plans to turn Nevada into a dumping ground for highly radioactive nuclear waste," said Rosen. "My bill and amendment would prohibit the Department of Energy from moving forward with its dangerous and costly nuclear waste repository plan until it considers a number of other job-creating alternatives for Yucca Mountain. This failed project is a complete waste of time and taxpayer money. We need innovative solutions to tackle this issue, and my legislation would help us turn the Yucca Mountain site into something that will create jobs while also protecting our tourism industry and keeping our families safe."

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