Jim Gibbons

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, we have assumed for some time that the Department of Energy has made an overwhelming effort to prove that their research on the Nation's spent nuclear fuel is based on sound science and safe for Americans. Well, Mr. Speaker, I stand before my colleagues today to ask that despite the DOE's claims that Yucca Mountain is a geologically safe place to store 77,000 tons of the Nation's nuclear waste, that we take a closer look at the truth behind these claims. Recently, Mr. Speaker, Nevadans have become aware of some very disturbing information about these DOE claims. In its final environmental impact statement, the DOE evaluated the handling, transporting and disposition of spent nuclear fuel and high level radioactive waste to Yucca Mountain. Although 131 sites across this country contain this nuclear waste and although the waste at these sites require individual attention due to radioactivity dangers, the Department of Energy has entirely neglected to evaluate the effect of waste transportation of at least 54 different sites. Mr. Speaker, this negligence is simply unacceptable. In considering the dangers of hauling nuclear waste across the country, through our neighborhoods, near our schools and parks, it is obvious that the DOE should have investigated these important facilities. Most of these facilities are research reactor sites at major universities and significant commercial research and fuel fabrication plants. Shipping the high level radioactive waste from these facilities is a hazardous undertaking that cannot be ignored, and the DOE has done so. Similar movement of research reactive fuel has been explored in the past. In just one instance, after a mandatory preparation of an extensive report, several years of analysis, and two arduous legal challenges, a shipment of foreign research reactor fuel was transported to North Carolina. The question is, shall Americans stand by and wait for a mistake in shipping this hazardous research reactor fuel or will we demand that the DOE take into account these 54 sites before it presents our government with a proper environmental analysis? Clearly, the Department of Energy has altogether ignored a vast and critical component of its Yucca Mountain project. Mr. Speaker, Americans should be outraged at this negligence, and again, I ask that we take a closer look at the reports handed over to us by the DOE. Finding a solution to our Nation's nuclear waste problem should be a process of justice, sound science and integrity, not one of carelessness and political expediency. Mr. Speaker, the Yucca Mountain project is not an equitable solution. It is not a trustworthy solution or a suitable solution to our nuclear waste problem. I urge all my colleagues to make a responsible decision on this potentially devastating resolution tomorrow. Vote no on the Yucca Mountain project. Vote no tomorrow on House Joint Resolution 87.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw your attention to the unparalleled risk of transporting spent nuclear fuel to Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The DOE has promised that shipments of high level nuclear waste are among the most secure cargo in the US. However, just yesterday we discovered that two inmates from a North Carolina prison illegally boarded a train carrying spent nuclear fuel last month. Had these escapees intended to do great harm, the results could have been devastating. Although estimates anticipate over 400 nuclear waste shipping accidents to occur during the next 38 years of delivery to Yucca Mountain, there is absolutely no way to estimate that a terrorist will not board a train carrying spent fuel--and present our country with another tremendous tragedy. Mr. Speaker, let us not give terrorists an easy target. Vote no on transporting nuclear fuel throughout this Great Nation; through our neighborhoods, past our homes, schools, parks and waterways. Vote no on House Joint Resolution 87.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, do my colleagues recognize this symbol here, the national symbol for dangerous radioactivity? I hope so. Because these signs, and we should get used to them, will soon be in our neighborhoods, our communities, near our schools and parks, along our highways and railways in our districts. The most dangerous toxic type of radioactive material known to man, spent nuclear fuel, is very close to being carried through 44 States, 703 counties and 109 major metropolitan areas, and probably through my colleagues' own neighborhood. If this Congress votes to pass the resolution designating Yucca Mountain as the Nation's nuclear waste dump, we will see this symbol driving by our homes, schools and churches for at least the next 38 years. Mr. Speaker, are our constituents prepared to live near a nuclear shipping route that leads to Yucca Mountain? Are the 123 million Americans living near these routes prepared for a nuclear disaster? Let us protect our rail and highways and, more importantly, our American families. Vote no on House Joint Resolution 87.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, on such a beautiful sunny day here in the Nation's Capitol, do we not think it might be refreshing to once in a while have a drink from a glass of cool refreshing water? Would we trust that water if it was from a well in southern Nevada 20 years from now? Well, Mr. Speaker, are my colleagues aware that Yucca Mountain, Nevada, the space designated for the world's high-level nuclear waste dump, sits on a water reservoir? And are my colleagues aware that the Department of Energy has admitted that the rate of water infiltration into Yucca Mountain is 100 times higher than that which the Federal Government originally intended for the site? And did my colleagues know that even the smallest earthquake at Yucca Mountain could jar the repository, could break the casks that hold this high-level nuclear waste? If my colleagues knew that this glass of water may contain radioactive nuclides from spent fuel, they would not drink it. Well, Mr. Speaker, Nevadans will not either. Storing spent fuel at Yucca Mountain, Nevada is a dangerous endeavor and needs to be stopped, for Nevada and for every American.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today, I come to the well of the House to discuss the risk of storing high-level deadly nuclear waste in a hole in the Nevada desert called Yucca Mountain. Mr. Speaker, this will be the first gelogic repository for high-level nuclear waste. No one can predict what the next 10,000 years will bring at Yucca Mountain, no matter whether we are discussing seismic activity, volcanic activity or meteorological activity. Mr. Speaker, how can we even decide what language to use on the ``no trespassing'' signs that will be pertinent 10,000 years from now? Regardless of what the DOE crystal ball may show, the future is unknown, as is the stability of Yucca Mountain. Even DOE's own scientists question its suitability. No matter how many billions of dollars the DOE has spent on Yucca Mountain, they still cannot make that mountain a geologically-sound repository. Instead, they have to rely on engineered barriers, barriers which could just as easily be used on site, thereby diverting disastrous transportation risks. Mr. Speaker, the Yucca Mountain project is fatally flawed; and no amount of money, nor square pegs in a round hole, can keep Nevadans and Americans safe from its failings.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, this morning our Nation witnessed yet another tragic train accident. A commuter train collided with a freight train in southern California with at least one dead and hundreds injured. This latest accident follows two other serious train accidents, one in northeast Florida killing four and injuring hundreds, and one yesterday when a freight train derailed in Wells, Nevada. Madam Speaker, these events are not just isolated incidents. Instead, they show that accidents can and do happen. While these recent accidents certainly are unfortunate and tragic, the death toll and environmental damage that could have occurred if the freight train was shipping high-level nuclear waste would have been absolutely devastating. We should not take that risk. We should not ship nuclear waste across our entire country to a hole in the ground that will not even solve our nuclear waste problem. It is time to prevent a disaster. For the good of our country, it is time to stop the Yucca Mountain project.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, Nevada's nickname may be the Silver State, but our State is diverse and has a wealth of many minerals, including many precious metals like gold, silver and platinum. In fact, only two countries in the world are ahead of Nevada in total gold production, South Africa and Australia; and only those two locations have ever achieved the same milestone which Nevada celebrated this week, the production of the 50 millionth ounce of gold. Let me put this achievement in perspective. If 50 million troy ounces of gold were viewed as cube, it would be approximately 14 feet 2 inches square and weigh about 1,714 tons. This achievement was produced by the Carlin Trend, located about 10 miles south of Carlin, Nevada, which produces nearly 4 million ounces of gold annually, contributing $1.8 billion to America's economy every year. Congratulations to the hard-working men and women of the Carlin Trend on this accomplishment, and thank you to the mining industry for producing the minerals which allow us to live in and enjoy the 21st century.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, this morning I joined with hundreds of Americans opposed to the idea of shipping high-level nuclear waste across the entire country to a geologically unstable site in a Nevada desert. Scientific evidence continues to mount showing that Yucca Mountain is not a safe or sound location for nuclear waste, and evidence also shows that the Department of Energy has ignored its geologic problems. Even former DOE officials have agreed that the DOE has not held Yucca Mountain to high scientific standards. Dr. Victor Gilinsky, former commissioner of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, asserted in a sworn affidavit that the DOE's site suitability standard is so lax that it could be met in the basement of the DOE headquarters here in Washington, D.C. Mr. Speaker, Americans deserve better. The site suitability of a nuclear repository should be based on science, not politics. Yucca Mountain is not a suitable site for the storage of the deadliest substance known to man. I urge Members to oppose the DOE Yucca Mountain lie.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Once again, Mr. Speaker, April 15, tax day, is just a weekend away; and too many Americans spend too much time and too much money preparing and paying their taxes. The estimated preparation time for an IRS 1040 form now is right at 13 hours and 27 minutes, and those unfortunate taxpayers who need to itemize their deductions will be devoting an additional 5\1/2\ hours in preparing their tax forms. It is obvious, Mr. Speaker, that our Tax Code is too complex and places too great a burden on our hard-working families. Too many Americans, over 67 million filers, spend millions of dollars employing professional tax preparers just to wade through the Tax Code; and it is pretty tough to wade through 2.8 million words of our Tax Code. Even the book ``War and Peace'' is a quicker read at 660,000 words. Mr. Speaker, it is time to simplify our Tax Code. It is the fair solution to such a taxing problem for every American.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to share with you some disturbing numbers regarding the shipping of high-level nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain, Nevada. First, let me tell you it will take over 96,000 truck and rail shipments for this material to get there. These shipments will go through 44 States, 703 counties, and at least 109 major population cities. More than 7 million people live within one-half mile of the nuclear transportation routes. Close to 50 million people live within 3 miles of these shipping routes. And contrary to what the DOE espouses, nuclear waste currently stored at 77 reactor and storage sites in 39 States, is not just going to magically appear at Yucca Mountain. These shipments will come through your communities for over 38 years. The cost associated with cleaning up just one accident in your community is over $13.7 billion taxpayer dollars, not counting the health care costs associated with those affected. That is the story, Mr. Speaker, by the numbers. The sad truth is these numbers just do not add up to a plan which protects the safety and security of all Americans. I urge my colleagues to oppose the Yucca Mountain bill.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday Nevada made history. History, Mr. Speaker, because Nevada's Governor, Kenny Guinn, vetoed a Presidential decision, a decision to ship nuclear waste to the State of Nevada. Almost 2 decades ago when Nevada was given the right to cast this veto, we were under the impression that a recommendation on Yucca Mountain would be based on sound science, assuring the safety and security of Nevadans and every American. Instead, the process has been riddled with bias, and the DOE recommendation was based on political expediency. For example, the DOE refuses to address the inherent problems that come with transporting the deadliest substance known to man through 43 States and for 3 decades to come. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Governor Guinn's decision to stand up to the convoluted mess of special interests and corruption that the Department of Energy refers to as the Yucca Mountain project. I urge my colleagues to join Nevada's Governor and delegation in opposing a project that is immeasurably dangerous to every American.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for allowing H.R. 2937 to be considered here today. I would further like to thank the chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands, the gentleman from California (Mr. Radanovich), for expediting passage of this legislation in the Committee on Resources. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2937 is a bill to provide for the conveyance of certain public lands in Clark County, Nevada, for use as a public shooting range. This legislation enjoys strong bipartisan and bicameral support from our Nevada delegation. Nevada Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign have introduced a companion bill in the United States Senate, and this legislation enjoys support from the administration as well. For 15 consecutive years, Nevada has had the fastest growing population of any State. For 20 years, Clark County, Nevada has been the fastest growing county, with the majority of that growth taking place in the Second Congressional District. Accommodating that growth and meeting its challenges is something that I often discuss before this body. Nevadans take great pride in the outdoor recreational opportunities that our great State has to offer. Unfortunately, Nevada has 87 percent publicly owned lands, which means that most of the recreation must take place on our public lands. Regardless, protecting the multiple use of our lands in Nevada is very important to our citizens. The legislation before us today helps accommodate another longtime recreational favorite in Nevada, target shooting. H.R. 2937 will designate approximately 2,800 acres of public land north of Las Vegas to be used as a permanent shooting range. About half of the 2,800 acres will actually contain the shooting range, with the other 1,400 acres serving as a required buffer zone to ensure public safety. This new shooting facility will not only provide the public with a safe place to shoot, it will serve as a training facility for our law enforcement personnel in southern Nevada. This legislation also includes reversionary language should Clark County cease to use the land as prescribed in this bill. Further, the 2,800 acres is currently designated a wilderness study area by the BLM. Yet, Mr. Speaker, the BLM has adequately studied this land and determined that it is not suitable for wilderness area designation. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, release language is included that declares the land conveyed has been adequately studied for wilderness designation under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, or FLPMA as it is known. Mr. Speaker, this legislation represents a simple land conveyance. It makes good sense. H.R. 2937 is supported by our law enforcement personnel, Clark County, and the public at large. Again, I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for this opportunity. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the effort of Ms. Kim Menesini, who was recently named the D.A.R.E. Educator of the Year for Nevada. As a resident of Nevada for 25 years and as a teacher in Lyon County for over 20 years, Ms. Menesini has remained committed to ensuring that her students not only learn how to read and write and do the basic mathematics, but also how to just say ``no'' to drugs and alcohol. Ms. Menesini has been involved with the Nevada D.A.R.E. drug program for more than 10 years, because this program tries to help kids build strength through self-esteem and offers them alternatives to saying ``no'' to drugs and alcohol. According to Lyon County Deputy Sheriff Patrick Marble, Ms. Menesini's fifth grade students at Sutro Elementary School in Dayton, Nevada, know that she will support and guide them in a positive and loving way. There are reasons the students love and respect her. Congratulations, Ms. Menesini, on your award, and thank you for your dedication to the children of Nevada and for the future of our Nation.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, the nuclear industry lobbyists are trying to simply pull the wool over our eyes. As well as most Members of Congress and the American people, we are gullible to some of their ludicrous remarks. They want us to believe that by supporting the Yucca Mountain project that the nuclear waste problem at over 100 commercial nuclear power plants will just disappear. Puff. Gone. Now, I am not sure how many of us believe in fairy tales; but that is exactly what this is, a fairy tale of monumental proportions. The truth is, there are over 100 nuclear waste sites around the country; and if Yucca Mountain was open, we would have not only those sites, but also Yucca Mountain, and high-level nuclear waste traveling across the country. After all, the waste will not just magically appear in Nevada, it will take at least 38 years and more than 96,000 truck shipments to transport the waste from 38 States. Mr. Speaker, the viability of Yucca Mountain is not just a fairy tale, it is a nightmare. Protect America. Oppose Yucca Mountain.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, last Monday this Nation recognized the 6- month anniversary of the terrorist attacks which claimed the lives of thousands of innocent Americans. Now, as a Nation, we are in the middle of a war to root out the culprits of the September 11 attacks and to rid the world of terrorism. Our mission is not only right and necessary, but it is also massive and challenging. Like a runner, this is not a sprint, but a marathon. Terrorist cells exist in countries around the world, and as a result, our work will not be limited to just Afghanistan. Consequently, as our budget process begins, we must provide the critical resources our military and intelligence communities need to win the war against terrorism. This is a new world, Mr. Speaker, that we are now living in; we are living with new threats, and our Federal budget must reflect our new priorities.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3215.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize two Nevada heroes, heroes who recently lost their lives in our Nation's war to defend freedom and defeat terrorism. Private First Class Matthew Commons is one of the most recent casualties in our war against terrorism. A graduate of Boulder City High School, Pfc. Commons was killed Monday in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan. Last month, our State mourned the loss of Army Specialist Jason Disney. A resident of Fallon, Nevada, and a graduate of Churchill County High School, Specialist Disney was the 20th American to die in the conflict of these young heroes. Our sympathies and condolences go out to the families of these young men. Please know that Pfc. Commons and Specialist Disney will be missed, but that their courage, valor, and patriotism will never be forgotten. May God bless these heroes and God bless all of our fellow Americans fighting for freedom and against terror.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, how much more simply can I say it, that shipping nuclear waste back and forth across this country 96,000 times is simply unsafe. Sure, proponents of the Yucca Mountain Project would say that some 3,000 shipments have already been made to destinations in America without any incidents. But let me say, I am sure that the elevators in the World Trade Center operated faultlessly until September 11. We cannot use the past to predict the future. Mr. Speaker, terrorist threats against one of these many shipments is a real danger, and it would be foolish to disregard it. Moreover, the news program ``60 Minutes'' last year said that train accidents due to track failure are happening at a rate of nearly 1 every 24 hours. Just a few months ago the city of Baltimore was nearly shut down due to a chemical train accident. Mr. Speaker, I am not willing to gamble on transporting the deadliest substance known to man back and forth through 43 States, especially when DOE has no strategy or plan for the possibility of disaster. We need to protect our communities and constituents, protect our Nation. I urge Members to vote ``no'' on Yucca Mountain.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express strong support for H.R. 1870, the Fallon Rail Freight Leading Facility Transfer Act; and I want to thank the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen) and my good friend, the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Underwood), and the Committee on Resources for moving this bill expeditiously to the floor for a vote. H.R. 1870 will privilege the city of Fallon, Nevada, the exclusive right to purchase approximately 6.3 acres of public land located in the downtown area of the city. The Fallon Rail Freight Loading Facility Transfer Act will enable the city of Fallon to make the necessary long-term investments and capital improvements to the property to ensure the future viability of this important municipal asset is maintained. Fallon is a rural agricultural community of approximately 8,700 residents located in northern Nevada approximately 70 miles east of the city of Reno. Since 1984, the city of Fallon has leased approximately 6.3 acres of property from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation that it utilizes as a rail freight yard and loading facility. The city, the State of Nevada, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Southern Pacific Railroad have collectively invested a significant amount of money in this rail facility, providing more than 400 jobs in the community. On January 1 of 2000, the long-term lease between the city of Fallon and the Bureau of Reclamation expired. As negotiations began for a new long-term lease, the city of Fallon and the bureau came to the common conclusion that it would be in the best interest of both parties to have ownership of this property transferred to the city of Fallon. The city would be able to make long-term investments to a facility that it owned without having to worry about renegotiating new leases and the possibility of losing access to the property. The Bureau of Reclamation would be able to divest itself from an asset that no longer serves a purpose to its core mission, allowing more of its scarce resources to be focused on the traditional roles of the bureau. Of course, Mr. Speaker, this transfer will be contingent upon the satisfactory conclusion of all necessary and environmental reviews, and it will be purchased by the city at fair market value. Finally, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1870 has strong support from Nevada's bipartisan congressional delegation. On behalf of the city of Fallon, I urge my colleagues to pass the Fallon Rail Freight Loading Facility Transfer Act, a bill which will create a win-win situation for everyone involved. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1870) to provide for the sale of certain real property within the Newlands Project in Nevada, to the city of Fallon, Nevada, as amended.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, proponents of transporting 77,000 tons of high-level nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain proclaim that terrorists will have a more difficult time committing an act of terrorism at one singular site as opposed to 131 commercial nuclear reactors around the country. Nonsense. What this view does not take into account is how many opportunities terrorists will now be provided if this nuclear waste is transported through 43 States, past the homes, hospitals, and schools of over 123 million Americans. Seventy-seven thousand tons of nuclear waste will require at least 96,000 truck shipments over 3 decades, giving terrorists over 96,000 opportunities to target these shipments as the next act of heinous terrorism. Mr. Speaker, I implore my colleagues to consider the safety and welfare of the 123 million Americans whose communities could be destroyed by transporting deadly nuclear waste throughout our entire country. Protect Americans from the next possible terrorist act. Stop Yucca Mountain.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Linder), for allowing me the time today to appear and present a few remarks on this bill. Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the 50th wedding anniversary of former President and First Lady Ronald and Nancy Reagan, a half a century of commitment not just to themselves and to each other but a commitment to the American people. Mr. Speaker, today we plan for another milestone, the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony for this distinguished couple. In the 106th Congress I, along with my good friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Dunn), introduced legislation to award the Reagans the highest honor that Congress can bestow, the Congressional Gold Medal. Ronald and Nancy Reagan have dedicated their lives to promoting national pride and bettering the quality of life for every American. Certainly the Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute to their enduring commitment to public service. Recently, I introduced House Concurrent Resolution 305 to authorize the use of the Capitol Rotunda for their Congressional Gold Medal award ceremony to be held on May 16 of this year. The Reagans have stood as leaders and icons in our Nation's history for years. A popular two-term governor and later as President of the United States, Ronald Reagan was dedicated to encouraging economic growth, recognizing the value of hard work and sparking hope and pride among all Americans. He believed that everyone can rise as high and as far as their abilities will take them. This principle became a guiding creed of Reagan's Presidency as he successfully turned the tide of public cynicism and sparked a national renewal of faith and hope. He fulfilled his pledge to restore the great confident roar of American progress, growth and optimism; and Americans once again believed in the good old-fashioned American dream. Always standing by his side, President Reagan's wife, Nancy, served as a gracious First Lady and a distinguished leader in her own right. Perhaps her most notable and longest-lasting achievement was her ``Just Say No'' campaign aimed at preventing alcohol and drug abuse among our youth. Even today, Mrs. Reagan continues to be an active public leader as a champion for increasing funding for research on Alzheimer's disease. Together, the Reagans have dedicated much of their lives to our Nation. Their leadership and service extended well beyond President Reagan's tenure in office. It has been an honor for me to lead the effort of awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to this deserving couple. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this resolution which will allow for the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony to occur here, in the People's House, our Nation's Capitol.