Heck Votes to Keep Nuclear Waste Out of Nevada

Heck: “It's time for a 21st century solution."

WASHINGTON - Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) today released the following statement after voting against H.R. 5325, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act which designates $25 million for the continued leasing of the defunct Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storage site and $10 million for the nuclear waste fund.

"I will not cast a vote in favor of legislation that moves to make Nevada the country's nuclear waste dump," Rep. Heck said. "While there are important provisions in the bill, the safety and environmental health of my constituents and the state of Nevada come first."

Rep. Heck continued, "Storing nuclear waste in the ground for perpetuity is a 20th century approach. It's time for a 21st century solution. Billions of taxpayers’ dollars have been wasted on this proposal and it has not worked.  Instead, we should consider alternative uses for Yucca Mountain that can create jobs and economic development opportunities while making Nevada a national leader in nuclear energy technology."

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