U.S. Chamber Applauds Senate Committee's Swift Action on Yucca Mountain

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Chamber of Commerce applauded the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today for its decisive work in passing a resolution to move forward with Yucca Mountain as a permanent site for nuclear waste and spent fuel.

"This vote brings us one step closer to addressing a crucial component of our energy policy — the disposal of nuclear waste," said Bruce Josten, U.S. Chamber executive vice president for government affairs. "The scientific study that has come out of Nevada in the past 20 years clearly indicates that Yucca Mountain can be a reliable and safe facility."

The resolution to override Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn's objection to Yucca Mountain passed through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by a 13-10 vote. The matter now moves to the Senate floor for debate and vote by July 26. The full House passed the resolution in mid-May.

Extensive scientific and geological tests over the last two decades — at a cost of nearly $4 billion to U.S. taxpayers — have determined the site to be safe from both natural and human security threats. The site would take nuclear waste and spent fuel from over 130 current storage facilities in 38 states and bury it deep below the desert floor at Yucca.

"Nuclear power now generates 20% of this country's electricity and is increasingly important to our military as well," continued Josten. "If a long-term national energy plan is to include nuclear power, Yucca Mountain must be approved and put to use."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses of every size, sector and region.