Nevada lawmakers urge federal government to reject Yucca Mountain nuclear waste site

The Assembly Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections convened on April 25, 2025, to discuss Senate Joint Resolution 7 (SJR7), which urges the federal government to recognize Yucca Mountain as an unsuitable site for the storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, including state officials, students, and representatives from local organizations.

Chair Mosca opened the session, allowing Senator James Warshaw to present SJR7. Warshaw expressed his long-standing concerns about Yucca Mountain, recalling his childhood fears about the potential dangers of storing nuclear waste near Las Vegas. He emphasized that despite past efforts to halt the project, renewed interest in nuclear energy has led to discussions about reconsidering Yucca Mountain as a waste repository, which he firmly opposes.

Nate Lisonbee, a political science student at the University of Nevada, Reno, followed Warshaw's remarks. He highlighted the growing interest in nuclear energy and the need for safe waste disposal solutions. Lisonbee pointed out the risks associated with transporting nuclear waste across the country, particularly through densely populated areas, and the potential public health threats posed by accidents or exposure to radiation.

Dr. Fred Dilger, Executive Director of the Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects, provided further insights into the challenges of Yucca Mountain. He noted that the site is already over capacity for waste and that geological concerns, including its proximity to military airspace, make it a dangerous choice for nuclear waste storage. Dilger argued that the federal government must seek alternative sites for waste disposal, as Yucca Mountain poses significant risks to both Nevada residents and the broader public.

The committee members engaged in a discussion about the implications of using Yucca Mountain for nuclear waste storage, with Assemblymember Nadim raising concerns about the health risks to Nevadans. Dilger explained that even during transport, the radioactive materials pose health hazards, and the potential for accidents could lead to devastating consequences.

The meeting concluded with testimonies from various supporters of SJR7, including representatives from the Vegas Chamber, the Nevada Conservation League, and the Sierra Club Toyabi chapter. Each emphasized the need to protect Nevada's environment and public health by opposing the Yucca Mountain project.

Overall, the committee reaffirmed its stance against Yucca Mountain as a nuclear waste repository, highlighting the importance of continued advocacy to ensure that the federal government acknowledges the site's unsuitability. The resolution aims to protect the health and safety of Nevadans while addressing the broader implications of nuclear waste management in the United States.