What is Yucca Mountain?

Yucca Mountain is the Department of Energy’s proposed national geologic repository for spent nuclear fuel from nuclear power plants and high-level radioactive waste from national defense sources. It is located approximately 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

Yucca Mountain was scheduled to open in 1998. Now, using the most optimistic projections, it would not open until 2020, more than two decades behind schedule.

Nevada’s leaders and legislators, as well as representatives from the scientific community, have expressed concerns about the project for many years.

The Department of Energy is currently preparing to submit its license application by June 30, 2008.

The Moapa Band of Paiutes urges the Department of Energy to pursue the efficacy of on-site storage, rather than the pursuit of Yucca Mountain as a repository.

Why we oppose Yucca Mountain:

First, Yucca Mountain is the home of the Southern Paiute’s ancestral lands. We are stewards of the Earth, and believe contamination by nuclear waste is not in the best interest of the land.

Additionally, the development of Yucca Mountain as a high-level nuclear waste repository could require the transportation of radioactive waste through or near the Moapa Paiute Reservation. Existing rail lines, and Interstate highway 15 run through the Moapa Reservation.

Indian Perspectives on Yucca Mountain Video

The establishment of a high-level nuclear waste repository in Nevada would diminish the safety of the members of the Moapa Paiutes.

Resources to learn more about Yucca Mountain:

Clark County Nuclear Waste Program
www.co.clark.nv.us/comprehensive_planning/NuclearWaste.htm

State of Nevada Nuclear Waste Project
www.state.nv.us/nucwaste

Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management
www.ocrwm.doe.gov

Nuclear Regulatory Commission
www.nrc.gov

Environmental Protection Agency
www.epa.gov/radiation/yucca

Yucca Mountain Project
www.ymp.gov