Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill banning the storage of high-level nuclear waste in New Mexico just hours after the Legislature passed it. Because the bill did not receive enough votes to be declared an emergency, it will take effect on June 15.
Rep. Matthew McQueen, D-Galisteo, emphasized New Mexico’s varied nuclear programs over the years as he pushed his colleagues to adopt legislation prohibiting the storage of high-level nuclear waste without state approval and without a national permanent repository in place.
The New Law has Two Provisions
Senate Bill 53 was signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on March 17. Because the bill did not receive enough votes to be declared an emergency, it will take effect on June 15.
There are two provisions in the new law. The first broadens the scope and responsibilities of a task force formed to advise state agencies on nuclear waste and explore its effects on New Mexico.
The second prohibits high-level nuclear waste storage. The ban will remain in effect until two requirements are met: the state agrees to open a waste-handling facility and the federal government commits to a permanent underground storage site for nuclear waste.
Radioactive waste at high levels is exceedingly hazardous. Some will continue to be extremely radioactive for thousands, if not tens of thousands, of years.
Short-term exposure can be lethal. Radioactive waste can enter the food chain if it leaches into groundwater or soils.
Thousands of Tons of Waste
The state ban would include controls on Holtec International’s plans for an underground facility for spent nuclear fuel from nuclear power reactors and other high-level radioactive waste from throughout the country.
At its peak, Holtec estimated the facility could retain 176,600 metric tons of garbage aboveground on more than 1,000 acres between Hobbs and Carlsbad.
The region already has the Waste Isolation Pilot Project, an underground storage facility for radioactive waste-contaminated clothing, tools, rags, and other goods. WIPP is unaffected by the new legislation.
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