Nuclear storage facility unneeded

Martin Kral’s letter of Dec. 9 states: “Under law, the federal government was responsible for all nuclear waste.”

On the contrary, the federal Nuclear Waste Policy Act states that the nuclear utilities are responsible for, and must pay all costs, for waste storage.

The proposed Holtec storage facility that is mentioned is not needed and is risky. It is not needed because if the dangerous spent fuel is safe, it can remain at the nuclear power plants where it is generated. Such on-site storage with improved safety systems also avoids the risks and costs of transportation.

If the Holtec site is opened, some railroad shipments could come through Roswell, posing health and safety risks and providing no benefits.

Don Hancock

Southwest Research and Information Center

Albuquerque