This program allows the DOE to promote new radioactive waste dumps for private companies. This program is proceeding despite significant commercial volume and demand reductions, serious unresolved technical and fiscal problems, apparent transgressions of environmental justice and civil rights, and local opposition. The program also pays for corporations to promote their own dumps and aids in the creation of more nuclear sites. This reduction in funding is encouraging, but the DOE has indicated it may use prior year funds to make up the balance for this fiscal year. The nuclear industry should pay its own costs, including those for efforts to persuade the public to accept radioactive waste dumps.
New sites are economically impractical, since commercial radioactive waste volumes are dropping.
Utilities, states, and compacts are re-evaluating, delaying, and canceling their own siting efforts, largely for economic reasons. This program aids in the creation of more nuclear waste sites, threatening ground and surface water, air quality, plants, and animals. Residents, consumers, property owners, and farmers face both health and marketplace consequences from potential and actual radioactive contamination.