Athena Christodoulou Senate District 21 | Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter
Activists in Albuquerque, New Mexico, have raised concerns over a proposal by Holtec International to store up to 100,000 tons of high-level radioactive nuclear waste in the state. The plan involves storing this waste at a site located between Hobbs and Carlsbad for as long as 120 years. This has prompted worries regarding health, safety, transportation, financial, and environmental justice implications that could affect future generations.
Public opposition is mounting against the proposed storage facility. A letter from nine New Mexico senators and 21 state representatives has been sent to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), requesting time to assess the potential risks associated with the project.
The NRC is currently seeking public comments on the Environmental Impact Statement's scope and will hold meetings in Roswell, Hobbs, and Carlsbad. These sessions will provide opportunities for citizens to express their views and submit feedback until May 29. Spanish-speaking staff will be available in New Mexico to assist with translations during these meetings.
The proposed storage would involve irradiated fuel rods from nuclear power reactors containing uranium, plutonium, cesium, and strontium. Concerns about radiation exposure during transport have been highlighted due to recent train derailments in New Mexico.
Don Hancock emphasized that “public comments can and do make a difference,” encouraging participation in upcoming meetings scheduled by the NRC. Comments can also be submitted online or by mail.
Further information is available on websites such as www.NoNuclearWaste.org and sric.org/nuclear/nwp_docs.php.
