DOE officials say the tests are also necessary to assess the way in which age affects the plutonium and uranium in nuclear weapons. The Energy Department originally planned to begin conducting subcritical experiments in 1996, but they were forced to postpone the tests because of their potential negative impact on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty negotiations. Grassroots opposition and the concern of several delegations at the test ban negotiations were key to achieving this postponement. The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty was signed on September 24, 1996. Because these experiments don't produce a yield, DOE officials argue that they are within the letter of the treaty.
Critics charge that they certainly violate the spirit of the treaty.
The U.S. commitment to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty should be seen as nothing less than permanent. Maintaining a breakout ability by conducting these experiments undermines the integrity of that important and disarmament and non-proliferation measure. Conducting these underground nuclear weapons tests at the Nevada Test Site can only raise questions about U.S. compliance with the recently signed Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. We will make the already daunting task of verifying that treaty more difficult. We will make the already daunting task of verifying that treaty more difficult.