Research shows that an overwhelming majority of the
American people (73 percent) support the idea of keeping open
the option of building more nuclear power plants while 90
percent believe nuclear power plant licenses should be
extended for an additional 20 years. Consistent with those
findings, there also is wide public support for the Nuclear
Waste Policy Amendments Act (S. 1287) that addresses the waste
issue and insures America's present and future energy needs
through safe, clean, nuclear energy. Here are some examples:
The 60 Plus Association
"This legislation ensures
that the Energy Department lives up to its responsibility to
electricity consumers to take ownership of used nuclear
fuel…Without S. 1287 dozens of nuclear plants will run out of
existing space.""
Denver Post
"There's an obvious
inconsistency in the Clinton administration's current energy
policy. On the one hand, the administration is worried about
high oil and gas prices and wants supplies increased. On the
other hand, the president has threatened to veto a bill which
is essential to the long-term health of the nuclear power
industry, the nation's energy sector that pollutes the least."
Ruston Daily Leader (Ruston,
Louisiana)
"U.S. consumers of electricity generated at
nuclear power plants have committed $16 billion over the last
17 years for environmental protection they have yet to
receive. Louisiana's congressional delegation has supported
previous attempts to resolve the national used nuclear fuel
dilemma. Now, they must see that our President knows the
urgency and importance of this environmental issue."
Citizens Against Government Waste
"Taxpayers are
being forced to pay a steep price for the Department of
Energy's abrogation of responsibility. I urge you (President
Clinton) to approve S. 1287 as soon as possible."
International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers
"The Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act is an
opportunity to steer our nation onto the path of safe geologic
disposal of used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive
waste…S. 1287 helps make it possible for Americans to derive
maximum benefits from nuclear power (the nation's largest
source of emission-free electricity)."
American Public Power Association
"In order to
meet our country's energy and clean air goals, it is important
that nuclear energy continue to be a part of our energy
future. Solving the waste storage issue is critical in
achieving that result. This legislation also ensure that the
more than $16 billion that electricity consumer have paint
into the Nuclear Waste Fund is used to for its intended
purpose of managing used nuclear fuel."
