Rep. Susie Lee Applauds the Department of Energy’s Commitment to Restarting Consent-Based Siting Program for Spent Nuclear Fuel

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Susie Lee released the following statement in response to the Department of Energy's announcement that it will restart its consent-based siting program for spent nuclear fuel.

"Since my first day in Congress, I've been fighting to ensure that Yucca Mountain never becomes the nation's dumping ground for nuclear waste. The announcement today from the Department of Energy is a huge development in that effort," said Rep. Lee. "I must thank Energy Secretary Granholm for her continued willingness to work with me, my constituents, and all Nevadans in ensuring that future policies appropriately reflect the will of the people. I'm confident that with this approach, our nation will find consent-based solutions that work for everyone involved."

This decision comes as Rep. Lee has been a vocal advocate for consent-based solutions. In May, as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies, Rep. Lee questioned Energy Secretary Granholm over policy failures at the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository and secured her commitment to pursue new consent-based alternatives at the Department of Energy.

In July, Rep. Lee voted to pass the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies funding bill out of the House Appropriations Committee, which included zero funding for the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain and secured language that directs the Department of Energy to pursue consent-based solutions. Rep. Lee led efforts on the subcommittee to include these provisions.

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