U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson's announcement of a recycling moratorium on scrap metals at DOE nuclear facilities was a huge mistake that will cost the taxpayers millions of dollars. This decision affects the livelihood of hundreds of families in East Tennessee and will hurt the Oak Ridge area economy.

Last spring, I had a personal conversation with Secretary Richardson pleading with him not to stop recycling. I also questioned him earlier this year during an Interior Appropriations Subcommittee hearing and made the point that sound science should drive this process. Finally, I wrote him a letter on June 1, 2000, in which I cited the scientific and factual arguments against a moratorium.

Unfortunately, I heard nothing at all in response from him until this moratorium decision was announced nationwide. And it took Secretary Richardson about two months to get around to answering my letter. And, frankly, the Secretary did not really relieve my concerns.

I remain dismayed by this nonsensical decision to ignore sound science in what is obviously election-year politics. Among other things, commonly used salt substitute found in homes all over our country has FIVE TIMES more radioactivity than the cleaned nickel that would have been recycled. Even worse, this politically-motivated move could wind up costing us hundreds of jobs in East Tennessee.

We as a nation should not spend billions of dollars on false protection from radiation. We must strike a balance on protections that are based on sound science and common sense.