Nuclear waste management

Passage of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act by the Congress, December 20, 1982, in the waning hours of the 97th Congress, was a major milestone in the management of the Nation's spent fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The Congress -- and, subsequently, the President -- made a tough decision that this generation must bite the bullet and proceed with the development of a permanent waste disposal system for the protection of future generations. The Act was a result of several attempts by the Congress over a number of years to move to action on this important subject. President Reagan added his leadership to the task through his 1981 Nuclear Policy Statement. Today, the author proposes to briefly summarize some of the significant achievements concerning implementation of the NWPA, and to direct your attention to courses of action they have placed before the States and Indian Tribes for comment and about which they will formally seek Congressional direction