Democratic New Mexico Rep. Melanie Stansberry got into an argument with Republican Rep. Pat Fallon of Texas during Thursday's hearing on energy policy.
During her campaign, Stansbury opposed a federal plan to encourage the construction of nuclear waste storage facilities in her home state. hearing During the Oversight Committee's Economic Growth, Energy Policy and Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee meeting, she refused to concede to Fallon even after speaking time ended, and an argument broke out between the two. Holtec, the company building the facility, claim Opponents argue that the final product will be “the epitome of structural and environmental safety,” and despite the Biden administration's pledge to involve local communities in selecting sites for nuclear waste storage facilities, the federal government has been criticized for moving ahead. (Related: Democratic lawmaker takes few minutes at hearing to lecture mother of fentanyl victim at border)
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“The communities around that site have said we don't consent and they don't want this nuclear waste facility,” Stansbury said as time expired, adding that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) He noted the decision to issue a permit for a temporary nuclear waste storage facility in May 2023. Lee County, New Mexico.
“Excuse me, please wait a moment, Mr. Speaker,” Mr. Stansberry said, interjecting Mr. Fallon to remind him that his time to speak was over.
“No, the time is up, the time is up. The vote has been moved up and your time is up,” Fallon said to Stansberry, continuing to say.
“You’re out of whack. You’re out of whack.” When Stansbury argued that the NRC’s decision was wrong, Fallon said, “You’re out of whack here. However, not a single piece of nuclear waste could be removed.”
Once completed, the facility will store spent nuclear fuel from U.S. nuclear power plants for the 40 years specified in the NRC permit. according to to Reuters. While the plan could help the U.S. nuclear industry, many citizens and politicians in the state oppose its existence, it would involve local communities in selecting sites for nuclear waste storage facilities. Despite the Biden administration's promises, the government is moving forward with its plans.
Nuclear waste costs taxpayers billions of dollars because governments have failed to develop and implement long-term nuclear waste storage plans. according to to the Council of State Governments. Until a permanent solution is found, the spent fuel will be temporarily stored in more than 70 different storage facilities across the country.
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