LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Days after President Donald Trump sent out a tweet seemingly reversing his position on Yucca Mountain, Gov. Steve Sisolak says he hand-delivered a letter to the Trump administration commending the president's decision.
In a press release to the media, Gov. Sisolak said he gave Mick Mulvaney, Trump’s acting chief of staff, a letter praising the decision to not include funding for Yucca Mountain-related activities in the fiscal year 2021 budget.
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On Thursday, the president tweeted that his administration will respect Nevada after the state has argued that the site is not suitable for a national nuclear waste dump. The president's administration has tried for several years to revive the stalled project.
Nevada, I hear you on Yucca Mountain and my Administration will RESPECT you! Congress and previous Administrations have long failed to find lasting solutions – my Administration is committed to exploring innovative approaches – I’m confident we can get it done!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 6, 2020
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Yucca Mountain is about 100 miles from Las Vegas.
Read the full letter addressed to the president from the governor:
February 8, 2020
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I understand that your Fiscal Year 2021 Budget will include no funding for Yucca Mountain-related activities. This is a welcome development in the fight to protect the health and safety of Nevada families now and for generations to come.
If you are committed to protecting Nevada in perpetuity, I recommend you also express your resolve to veto any legislation that would undermine the State’s legal standing or consent requirements (e.g., S.2917 or H.R.2699).
As a country, we have an opportunity to move beyond the tired fight over Yucca Mountain and into an era of consent-based siting for nuclear waste. Nevada would welcome your support on these matters.
Sincerely,
Governor Steve Sisolak
State of Nevada
CC: Nevada Congressional Delegation
