As you probably know, the debate on the suitability of Yucca Mountain as the nation's high-level waste repository is extremely important for the nuclear community and for the future of the industry.

There is a critical timeline associated with this debate:

• January 10, 2002: Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham notified Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn (R) his intention to recommend the site to President Bush.
• February 15, 2002: President Bush notified the Nevada Governor and Legislature that he endorsed Energy Secretary Abraham's recommendation to proceed with Yucca Mountain as a suitable site to serve as the nation's high-level waste repository.
• The Nevadans then have 60 days to approve or disapprove the recommendation. Governor Guinn announced that he would veto Yucca Mountain on April 8th, 2002. The issue now goes to Congress to resolve.
• Congress now has 90 legislative days to approve or disapprove the designation on a straight up-or-down vote.

Since the issue is now in Congress, it is our responsibility as members of the nuclear community to educate the House and Senate on the scientific suitability of the site.

NA-YGN encourages members and alumni to:

1. Write your representatives, and let them know your opinion on this important issue.
   • User friendly tool by NEI to easily communicate with your representatives
   • ANS Talking Points about Yucca Mountain Suitability
2. Educate the public and the media:
   • Write articles, letters or editorials to your local newspaper regarding the suitability of Yucca Mountain.
   • Respond to any anti-Yucca Mountain piece appearing in your local newspaper.

NA-YGN would like to maintain an archive of letters, articles, and editorials written by our members on Yucca Mountain or other pertinent issues in the nuclear field. The purpose of this archive will be to demonstrate how active NA-YGN members are in informing the public about nuclear issues, as well as to assist other members in writing to their representatives, etc. To be included in the archive, please send a copy of the letter to pi@na-ygn.org. If it is a published article or editorial, please let us know where it was printed!

If ever there was a time for us to make our voices heard on an issue, this is the time and this is the issue!

Any questions? Let us know!!