Nevada officials oppose Yucca Mountain as nuclear waste site citing safety concerns

Nevada's Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections convened on March 25, 2025, to address the pressing issue of nuclear waste disposal, particularly the controversial Yucca Mountain site. The committee's discussions underscored the significant health and safety concerns surrounding the transportation and storage of high-level radioactive waste.

Key speakers, including state officials and experts, voiced strong opposition to the Yucca Mountain site, citing its unsuitability for nuclear waste storage. Concerns were raised about the potential risks associated with transporting radioactive materials through populated areas, which could expose millions of Americans to hazardous situations. The committee highlighted the dangers of train derailments, referencing the recent environmental disaster in East Palestine, Ohio, as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences that could arise from accidents involving nuclear waste.

The committee emphasized the need for a new approach to nuclear waste management, advocating for a consent-based process that involves community collaboration in selecting suitable sites. Fred Dogar, Executive Director of the Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects, pointed out that the current amount of spent nuclear fuel exceeds the capacity of Yucca Mountain, indicating an urgent need for alternative solutions.

The discussions also touched on the broader implications for Nevada's tourism industry, which could suffer if the state is perceived as a nuclear waste repository. The committee members reiterated the importance of making Nevada's voice heard in Washington, D.C., to prevent the federal government from designating Yucca Mountain as the nation's nuclear waste site.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members expressed their commitment to continue fighting against the Yucca Mountain proposal, emphasizing the scientific evidence that supports their stance. The discussions reflect a critical moment in the ongoing debate over nuclear waste management in the United States, with Nevada at the forefront of advocating for safer and more effective solutions.