U.S. Chamber Hails House Vote for Yucca Mountain

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Chamber of Commerce applauded members of the U.S. House of Representatives for their overwhelming, bipartisan support for a permanent site for nuclear waste and spent fuel at Yucca Mountain, Nev.

"Lawmakers in the House have demonstrated their commitment to a solution to the nation's growing nuclear waste storage problem — now it's up to the Senate to follow their lead," said Bruce Josten, Chamber executive vice president for government affairs.

The resolution to override Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn's objection to Yucca Mountain passed by a 306–117 vote.

Extensive scientific and geological tests in the last two decades have been administered at a cost of nearly $4 billion to U.S. taxpayers and 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.

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