MN SF2187

Ratepayers have paid over $30 billion in fees under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 for removal of used nuclear fuel from commercial reactor sites, but the federal government failed to begin accepting fuel in 1998 as required.

The federal government terminated the Yucca Mountain Project in Nevada, which was the sole intended permanent disposal repository, leaving 77,000 metric tons of used nuclear fuel accumulated at 104 operating U.S. commercial reactors.

Minnesota legislature calls on the President and Congress to enact legislation enabling construction of one or more centralized interim storage facilities in willing host communities funded through the Nuclear Waste Fund.

The resolution endorses the Blue Ribbon Commission's recommendation for an integrated nuclear fuel management program including interim storage facilities, fuel recycling technology development, and assured access to Nuclear Waste Fund revenues.

The Minnesota Secretary of State is directed to transmit copies of this memorial to the President, Speaker of the House, Senate Majority Leader, and Secretary of Energy.