WASHINGTON,
D.C., April 11, 2000—The U.S. Senate today enrolled The
Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2000 (S.1287), the
final congressional action before sending President Clinton
this important reform legislation. The following is a
statement by Joe F. Colvin, president and chief executive
officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute, on this
milestone.
"The nuclear energy industry applauds the bipartisan
majorities of senators and House members for their support-and
Majority Leader Lott, Chairman Murkowski and Speaker Hastert
for their leadership-in passing the Nuclear Waste Policy
Amendments Act and building an effective framework for safe
disposal of used nuclear fuel. For the first time, Congress
has given President Clinton the opportunity to provide the
environmental stewardship the federal government owes the
American people in managing used nuclear fuel and radioactive
defense waste.
"For 17 years, electricity consumers have honored their
obligation to this environmental program by committing $16
billion to date for the government to move used fuel from more
than 70 sites in 33 states to a single remote disposal
facility. By passing S.1287, Congress has done its part to
craft much-needed improvements that will keep the government's
program on a clear schedule and budget to meet its legal
commitment to manage used nuclear fuel.
"Now it's President Clinton's turn to demonstrate
leadership by acknowledging that the Nuclear Waste Policy
Amendments Act meets the administration's stated objectives
and merits his signature. The president’s approval of S.1287
will help assure that nuclear energy-the nation's largest
source of emission-free electricity-can continue to help the
United States meet its ambitious environmental and economic
goals in the new century.
"The millions of men and women in America’s nuclear
industry urge President Clinton to sign the Nuclear Waste
Policy Amendments Act into law for the benefit of today’s
Americans and generations to come."
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The Nuclear Energy Institute is the nuclear energy
industry's Washington-based policy organization.
