(Washington, D.C.) For almost an hour yesterday afternoon, Robert Martin, Ombudsman of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sat huddled with U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley in her Capitol office, discussing the possibility of reexamining radiation standards for the Yucca Mountain Project. Martin, who investigates citizens’ complaints against the EPA and mediates fair settlements between the government and the public, had come to Berkley’s Capitol Hill office after receiving a letter from the southern Nevada lawmaker formally requesting the review. Berkley hoped the office would help shine a light on the decision making process at EPA – or at least compel some measure of objectivity -- to ensure the safest, most stringent radiation standards for the proposed repository at Yucca Mountain.

While Yucca Mountain is the only site being considered by the government for a national high level waste repository, Nevada State officials have declared that the health and safety standards necessary to ensure safe, radiation-free drinking water throughout southern Nevada would immediately disqualify the unwonted repository. Berkley has consistently advocated redirecting the focus of Congress to concentrate on emerging new technologies holding the promise of neutralized waste, and safer, more environmentally friendly methods of disposal.

By the time Mr. Martin left Berkley’s office, the southern Nevada legislator had impressed on the EPA official the grave impact of his agency’s decision on her state and the future of the country. Berkley told Martin the process had been compromised. Nuclear energy interests had consistently exerted political pressure on the Yucca Mountain scientific study, and safety standards had crumbled. The people of Nevada were being violated, and the public trust had been undermined by equivocations and sophistry. Confidence in the objectivity of the project had completely and justifiably evaporated.

The Office of the Ombudsman agreed to open its own examination of radiation standards. As part of the investigation, the EPA Ombudsman will hold hearings in Nevada, solicit public comment, and review Nevada State evidence against the site. Berkley will be circulating a letter to members of Nevada’s delegation to demonstrate support for the investigation, and to further evidence Nevada’s opposition to the dump and support for stringent health and safety standards.