Radioactive-waste trains to caravan through state?

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced plans for at least 40% of the nation's high-level radioactive waste, en route to storage at Yucca Mountain, NV, to travel by rail nearly the entire length of California. This includes the wastes from essentially the entire southern half of the U.S. No hearings are scheduled in California on this Notice of Intent (NOI) issued Oct. 13.

The Nevada governor's office reports that DOE failed to provide maps of the new rail routes. The NOI obscures key information about the communities affected and potential impacts. DOE appears to be masking the import of its actions and withholding crucial information from the public.

A fundamental principle underlying the National Environmental Policy Act is the requirement for federal agencies to transparently set forth proposed actions that may affect people and the environment, and to follow procedures designed not only to allow but also to encourage meaningful public participation in the decision-making process. The state of Nevada contends that the Department of Energy's notices are "procedurally and legally deficient" and "should be withdrawn and reissued with provisions incorporated for meaningful public participation, sufficient time for reviewing and commenting on the proposed actions, and attention to both the letter and spirit of the National Environmental Policy Act." California has requested more time for public comment and public meetings in California.

The California Energy Commission has expressed its concern to the DOE about potential environmental impacts in California that have not been adequately evaluated, including groundwater impacts in the Death Valley region, transportation impacts, and impacts on wildlife, parks, and natural resources. The NOI also lacks clear information about the new type of canister for holding the radioactive waste. DOE has not adequately addressed concerns raised by California since 1989.

Rochelle Becker, Sierra Club national Radiation Committee and executive director, Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility

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& quot;North South Routing from Reactors to Yucca Mt. on MIna Route. Dedicated Rail routes from UP gateways of Memphis and Kansas City.&quot;
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