Chamber Calls For Full Funding of Nuclear Waste Disposal

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Chamber of Commerce today called on Congress to fully fund the nuclear waste disposal program for fiscal year 2004 and ensure the $17 billion consumers have paid since 1983 through their utility bills will be used for its intended purpose - the safe long-term storage of nuclear waste.

"Congress must act to support the President's request for funding the nuclear waste program if we are going to safely and securely dispose of our nation's nuclear waste," said Tim Maney, Chamber director for Congressional and Public Affairs.

The Chamber supports the Bush administration's budget request for the nuclear waste disposal program for fiscal year 2004. The President has proposed a total package of $591 million, which includes $161 million from the Nuclear Waste Fund. The President's request will permit the Department of Energy to meet its Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing requirements and fulfill its statutory obligation to move spent fuel from 103 commercial power facilities in 31 states to one permanent repository beginning in 2010.

The Chamber is concerned that only a small portion of the $775 million paid by consumers each year into the Nuclear Waste Fund is actually being spent for its intended purpose of developing a permanent storage area. DOE must have access to the balance of the fund as it demonstrates need for increased funding and it must have the support of Congress.

"We are sending a clear message to Congress that the money paid by Americans for a permanent - and secure - site for nuclear waste needs to be used for its intended purpose," said Maney.

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