January 6, 2006

Washington, D.C.--- President Bush late today signed into law H.R. 1815, the National Defense Authorization Act, which included a provision by Utah Congressman Rob Bishop aimed at blocking the PFS proposal to store nuclear waste on the Goshute Reservation.  Years in the making, the Bishop language will protect the Utah Test and Training Range, create wilderness in Utah’s west desert, and significantly impede the transportation of high level nuclear waste to Skull Valley.

Below are reactions on today’s Presidential action and the defense bill becoming law:

Representative Rob Bishop: "This idea has been worked on for years, going back to Jim Hansen's efforts, so it feels good to finally see it become law.  This proposal always had three important elements.  It protects the test and training range, which is key to national security and military preparedness.  It creates wilderness the right way.  And it substantially hinders the transportation of high level nuclear waste to the Goshute Reservation.  I'm proud of our delegation and Governor who worked together at every level to finally get this done.  The key support we had from Congressional Leadership and outside groups also cannot be overlooked.  This was a good team effort and good policy, and I appreciate the President signing it into law."
 
Bishop spokesman Scott Parker: "I really think this represents the single largest legislative victory against efforts to bring nuclear waste to Utah's west desert.  PFS isn't completely dead, but this is the biggest nail in the coffin to date.  Rob has worked tirelessly on this effort since his first day in office, but this isn’t just a major win for him, it’s a victory for our entire state and our military.”

###