Wilson Hopeful For Progress with Yucca Mountain

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after the United States District of Columbia Court of Appeals announced its decision as to whether the Nuclear Regulatory Commission should be required to resume its work on the on Yucca Mountain license application.

"Today's decision by the United States District of Columbia's Court of Appeals regarding Aiken County's petition to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is a tremendous victory for South Carolina, as well as the rest of the nation. Although action should be taken before December 14, the Court sent a very clear message to Congress and the Obama Administration: Continue the licensing review to open Yucca Mountain or we will issue a writ of mandamus and require immediate action. Congress has already taken the proper steps by appropriating funding for Yucca Mountain. Over the past twenty-nine years, South Carolina taxpayers have paid over $1.3 billion for this project, making our state the third highest contributor. By delaying action on the Yucca licensing application, the Obama Administration and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid are clearly placing politics over sound energy policy. It is my hope that the Commission will do the right thing and approve Yucca's application process prior to the December 14th decision."