Indiana House of Representatives resolution demonstrates anti-nuke sentiment

The tragic March 25 collision in Butler, Indiana, demonstrated what a mess can be created when two trains run into each other — even if they are not carrying nuclear waste.

Although the debate over the transportation of nuclear waste is going on in Washington, D.C. , a nuclear waste accident in Indiana would not result in the evacuation of Washington, D.C. residents, nor would it force Washington, D.C. fire fighters and policemen to contend with material so radioactive it can kill within 180 seconds.

These would all be local problems.

For these reasons, the Indiana House of Representatives took an official stand against the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1997 on February 25. House Resolution 56 urges the U.S. Congress "not to order the transportation of spent nuclear fuel rods from commercial power plants through the State of Indiana prior to the cessation of commercial power generation in the United States and the formal designation by the President of a suitable storage site or sites for such high-level nuclear wastes."

The resolution was introduced by its author, Rep. Mark Kruzan (D-Bloomington), and received bipartisan support from its co-sponsors, Reps. Ralph Ayres (R-Chesterton), Win Moses, Jr. (D-Ft. Wayne), and Dennis Avery (D-Evansville).

The all-Republican Allen County Council also passed an anti- "Mobile Chernobyl" resolution last year.

Although such resolutions are non-binding, they play an essential role in ensuring Indiana’s Congressional delegation is not fooled by nuclear industry lobbyists.

"Every government entity in Indiana should pass a similar resolution to send a clear and decisive message," said CAC Environmental Policy Coordinator Grant Smith. "It is clear the public does not want this stuff shipped through Indiana. We need an energy policy designed to preserve our economic and environmental future, not destroy it."

A national survey conducted on behalf of the University of Maryland indicates strong public opposition to establishing an interim storage facility at Yucca Mountain, Nevada for spent nuclear fuel rods (high-level nuclear waste) from commercial nuclear power plants.

"Members of the Indiana Congressional delegation . . . should take a hard look at this survey before casting any more votes on behalf of the commercial nuclear power industry," said Smith.

"Nationwide, 66 percent of respondents are opposed to the plan envisioned in (the nuclear waste bill). In the Midwest, almost 69 percent are opposed to the immediate shipment of spent nuclear fuel rods across the country. Of those in the Midwest opposed to the plan backed by the nuclear power industry, almost 80 percent are strongly opposed to it."

For information on getting your town, city or county government to pass an anti- "Mobile Chernobyl" resolution contact CAC.

Excerpts from the University of Maryland study.

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