03-25-2000

ENERGY: GOP Effort Fizzles on Nuclear Waste

After more than a decade of work, the House on March 22 approved, 253-167,
a measure allowing the storage of thousands of tons of dangerous nuclear
waste at Yucca Mountain, Nev., and clearing the way for the construction
of a permanent storage facility. But congressional Republicans and their
industry allies have not yet buried the explosive issue: President Clinton
has promised to veto the legislation, and neither chamber has approved it
by enough votes to overrule him. The Senate in February fell three votes
short of a veto-proof margin, 64-34; the House this week came up three
dozen votes short. Supporters of the bill maintain that both chambers will
muster the votes to override a veto in due time, but opponents believe
they have finally put the issue to rest. "This is more of a prolonged
last gasp [for the bill] before its well-deserved death," said Anna
Aurilio of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.


Brody Mullins/CongressDaily

National Journal