Cortez Masto, Rosen Praise Department of Energy's Action to Explore a Consent-based Siting Process for Nuclear Waste
Statement
U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) issued the following statements applauding the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) move to explore a consent-based siting approach to the storage of nuclear waste. The DOE announced today that it will relaunch a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit input from states, local leaders, Tribes, and the public on identifying an interim nuclear waste storage facility using a consent-based siting process. Today's announcement reaffirms this Administration's commitment to work with Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen and all affected stakeholders. Both President Biden and Energy Secretary Granholm have pledged not to deposit nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain in response to the urging of Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen.
Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen will continue to ensure that the voices of Nevadans are heard during this important public comment period, and reiterate the need to codify consent-based siting into law through actions such as those proposed in their Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act.
"When it comes to the storage of nuclear waste, everyone impacted deserves a seat at the table," said Senator Cortez Masto. "I applaud the administration's move to consider a consent-based siting approach, and am sure that the vast majority of Nevadans who oppose storing dangerous nuclear materials in their backyard will make their voices heard during this process. I'll keep working in Congress to block any attempts to store nuclear waste at the failed Yucca Mountain project."
"I'm glad to see the Department of Energy is actively taking steps to make good on its promise not to store nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain," said Senator Rosen. "Seeking public input on how to move forward with consent-based interim storage is another step in the right direction towards ensuring Nevada never becomes the nation's nuclear waste dump. I have consistently fought to oppose storage at Yucca Mountain and will continue to work with the Nevada delegation, Secretary Granholm and the Department of Energy on forward-thinking alternative storage solutions."
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