From: "Lisa Gue" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wed, Mar 28, 2001, 9:11 AM
Subject: Urgent Action Alert: Tell your Representative in Congress to support strong radiation protection standards!

(apologies for cross-postings)

Tell your Representative in Congress to support strong radiation protection standards!

WHAT'S HAPPENING:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required by the Nuclear Waste Policy Act to set radiation protection standards for the proposed high-level nuclear waste dump at Yucca Mountain, Nevada.  This process is now in its last stages and a rule could be finalized within the next few days.

The Department of Energy (DOE) and Nuclear Regulator Commission (NRC) are pressuring the administration to further weaken the already inadequate proposed rule.  The DOE and NRC want to eliminate groundwater protection standards and increase the "acceptable" individual radiation exposure limit from 15 millirems to 25 millirems annually.

WHAT'S AT STAKE:
* Health and Safety -The DOE is expected later this year to recommend the Yucca Mountain site for development as a permanent repository for high-level radioactive waste generated by U.S. commercial reactors and weapons facilities.  A favorable recommendation is contingent upon an assessment of whether a Yucca Mountain repository could meet EPA radiation protection standards.  An artificially week standard would skew the suitability assessment and threaten public health and safety near America's fastest growing city (Las Vegas).

* Precedent - Although this rule is "site-specific" to Yucca Mountain, it will set an important precedent for radiation protection at DOE and NRC-licensed sites.  At stake is the EPA's authority in regulating radiation exposures, and the application of Safe Drinking Water Act standards for groundwater protection at Yucca Mountain, nuclear reactor sites, and the DOE weapons complex.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
* Representatives Shelley Berkley (D-NV) and Jim Gibbons (R-NV) have initiated and circulated a joint letter to the President in support of a strong standard that includes groundwater protection and does not weaken individual exposure limits. Signatures will be collected through Friday, March 30.  CALL AND E-MAIL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TODAY.  URGE HIM/HER TO CO-SIGN THIS LETTER.


CALL the Capitol Switchboard to be connected to your Representative's office: (202) 225-3121

E-MAIL your Representative.  Locate the address at: www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.html


Please contact Public Citizen for more information:
Phone: (202) 454-5130 - e-mail: [log in to unmask] - website: www.citizen.org/cmep