WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon, citing potential environmental impacts to his district, today voted against legislation that would advance the schedule for nuclear waste disposal at Yucca Mountain, Nevada.

"I recognize the importance of finding a permanent solution to the problem of nuclear waste," McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, said. "However, I am concerned that my district would bear a disproportionate risk of damage posed by transporting nuclear waste to Nevada."

McKeon today voted against S. 1287, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act, concerning a permanent site in Yucca Mountain for disposal of nuclear waste. The bill sets a schedule for developing an "early acceptance" facility to receive spent fuel as early as 2007. The bill was approved on a vote of 253-167, which is insufficient to override a potential veto. McKeon urged President Clinton to veto the bill.

McKeon said that if Yucca Mountain -- about 100 miles north of Las Vegas -- becomes the nation's only permanent high-level nuclear waste repository, a disproportionate amount of waste will probably be transported by rail through his district in Northern Los Angeles County, including the Antelope Valley.

McKeon's stance opposing the Yucca Mountain facility is not new; he has consistently opposed the project ever since meeting with Antelope Valley environmental activists about it. He voted against the project in 1997.

"While I realize there is a national interest in getting this resolved, the environmental needs and safety of my district area must take priority," McKeon said.