High-Level Nuclear Waste Disposal: Policy and Prognosis

摘要

The U.S. government's effectiveness in achieving a solution to the country's highlevel radioactive waste disposal problem will have profound effects on both near term and long run policy and societal objectives. It is clear that the present adversarial climate surrounding the issue has produced delays and disruptions in the DOE's schedule for activating a permanent geologic disposal facility. Acerbic debate in both chambers on Capitol Hill, extensive litigation that has run several times through the entire court system including the U.S. Supreme Court, and significant added costs borne by taxpayers and utility ratepayers have characterized the flight.