New Mexico lawmakers are currently discussing a bill that would prohibit the storage or disposal of nuclear waste in the state.
Senate Bill 54, which has been introduced to the New Mexico Legislature, would ban the disposal of nuclear waste in New Mexico, according to KRQE. The bill would prevent the state from giving permits to private companies that would construct radioactive waste facilities.
According to the text of the bill, it contains legislation "relating to radioactive waste; amending the Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Act; prohibiting the storage or disposal of spent fuel and high-level waste; amending the definition of 'disposal facility'; amending the duties and composition of the Radioactive Waste Consultation Task Force; [and] declaring an emergency."
Central to the debate is the company Holtec, which has applied to build a waste disposal site in southeast New Mexico.
Proponents of the bill spoke about the potential health risks associated with waste disposal facilities.
"The potential for accidents puts workers, residents, and the oil and waste industry at risk," John Buchser said in support of the bill, according to KRQE.
Opponents of the bill claim the safety measures in place keep the disposal process safe from potential adverse health effects.
