Senators reintroduce law allowing Arizonans in Mojave County previously exposed to downwind radiation to receive due payment

Washington – Arizona Senator Kirsten Cinema introduced the Downwinders Parity Act. This is an important piece of legislation to help Arizonans in Mojave County who have long sought the ability to access payments due for exposure to downwind radiation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.

“Current law prevents Mojave County Arizonans who have been exposed to radiation from receiving their due payment. is being corrected,” Cinema said.

Sinema’s Downwinders Parity Act amends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act by expanding the areas Arizonans are eligible for compensation. This law expands coverage to the entire Mojave County.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act allows partial compensation for individuals who develop serious illness after estimated exposure to radiation released during atmospheric nuclear testing or after employment in the uranium industry. Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 residents of Mojave County are eligible for compensation under the Cinema Downwinders Parity Act. Last year, Cinema was part of a coalition of senators and congressmen to extend his two-year provision of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and continues to push for a broader extension of the program.

Arizona counties currently covered by the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act are Apache, Coconino, Gila, Navajo, and Yavapai.