Rep. Proos offered the following concurrent resolution:

House Concurrent Resolution No. 6.

A concurrent resolution to urge the United States Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to fulfill their obligation to establish a permanent repository for high-level nuclear waste.

            Whereas, Over the past four decades, nuclear power has become a significant source for the nation’s production of electricity. Michigan is among the majority of states that derive energy from nuclear plants; and

            Whereas, Since the earliest days of nuclear power, the great dilemma associated with this technology is how to deal with the waste material that is produced. This high-level radioactive waste material demands exceptional care in all facets of its storage and disposal, including the transportation of this material; and

            Whereas, In 1982, Congress passed the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. This legislation requires the federal government, through the Department of Energy, to build a facility for the permanent storage of high-level nuclear waste. This act, which was amended in 1987, includes a specific timetable to identify a suitable location and to establish the waste facility. The costs for this undertaking are to be paid from a fee that is assessed on all consumers of the nuclear energy produced; and

Whereas, In accordance with the federal act, Michigan electric customers have paid $507.8 million into this federal fund for construction of the federal waste facility with the promise the waste will be properly and safely managed in accordance with a timetable established in federal law; and

Whereas, The failure of the federal government to comply with the timetables set forth in federal law has caused the proliferation of many temporary high-level radioactive waste facilities for which extensive investments must and have been made to secure such facilities from terrorist attack. The Department of Energy, working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, must not fail to meet its obligations as provided by law; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we support the United States Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in their efforts to fulfill their obligation to establish a permanent repository for high-level nuclear waste; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the United States Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.