This week we're going to focus our attention on U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, District 11. This is timely, since it's this week that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be taking public comments on the proposal to store high-level nuclear waste in Andrews, TX.
How is Conaway involved?
Conaway has paired up with Rep. Issa of California to propose the Interim Consolidated Storage Act, HR 474
Why are we opposed to this?
This act would allow for the storage of high-level nuclear waste in Andrews County, TX. To get to Andrews, this waste--spent fuel rods from nuclear reactors--would travel through Midland and Odessa, putting lives and health at risk if an accident were to occur in transit.
What's the argument?
Conaway will say that we have to move the waste, because the nuclear facilities are running out of room to store it. He'll also argue that it's safer to have the waste stored in one consolidated location in case terrorists get it in their heads to try and steal some to use in an attack. The former claim is flat out wrong. The nuclear facilities are not running out of room to store the waste. The latter claim maybe sounds good, but since the waste is currently stored at highly secure facilities in areas with tons of police and military presence, it hardly seems feasible that a small company in Andrews is going to be able to match that level of security.
How can you help?
Start by calling Rep. Mike Conaway's office and tell him you OPPOSE HR 474, the Interim Consolidated Storage Act at his local office 432-687-2390
If you can, also attend one of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's public hearings:
Monday, February 13th, Lea County Events Center, 5101 N. Lovington Highway, Hobbs, NM 7-10 (MST)
Wednesday, February 15th, James Roberts Center, 855 Broadway, Andrews, TX 7-10 (CST)
