FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 26 , 2000
CONTACT: LINDA MACIAS/TIM SECHRIST (202) 225-6161

BACA HAILS VETO OF NUCLEAR WASTE BILL

Radioactive Waste Shipments Through Inland Empire Blocked For Now

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Joe Baca (D-Rialto) is applauding President Clinton's veto of legislation that could have resulted in potentially dangerous nuclear waste being shipped through the Inland Empire.

"This veto by the President is good news and is a relief for the people and communities of the Inland Empire," Baca said. "I continue to have very serious concerns about this proposal, and I expect them to be fully addressed."

In March, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would have required the U.S. Department of Energy to move nuclear waste to a site at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Baca spoke on the floor of the House in opposition to the measure that would have established a repository for radioactive waste currently stored at nuclear power facilities in 31 states.

In February, Baca addressed a public hearing in San Bernardino on the issue of shipping spent nuclear fuel from obsolete power plants located in California to the Nevada site by way of roads and rails traversing the Inland Empire.

"I'm concerned about this important issue not just as a member of Congress but - more importantly - as a resident and as a neighbor to hundreds of thousands of people who could be affected," Baca said. "There are far too many questions about the potential dangers of radiation, and all of us want some answers."

Baca wrote to Bill Richardson, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, prior to February's hearing stating that alternative routes for the shipment of nuclear waste needed to be considered.

"We cannot have trucks and trains carrying highly dangerous radioactive materials traveling on our roads and through our communities," Baca said. "The potential for accidents is far too great … this is too much of a threat to our children, to our residents, and to our communities."

Baca cited the irreparable damage that could occur from any accidents involving the radioactive waste, given the highly lethal nature of the material, which can continue to pose a danger to humans even after 10,000 years.

"This isn't anything like an overturned gasoline tanker on I-10," Baca said. "This waste, in a similar type of accident, could render large areas of the Inland Empire unlivable for possibly thousands of years. A risk such as this is unacceptable. I'll continue to fight to protect my constituents and their communities."