Southern NM leaders support Holtec plan

WE CONTINUE to oppose N.M. Senate Bill 53, which would block a project to store spent nuclear fuel at a proposed facility between Carlsbad and Hobbs. This bill is now headed for the Senate floor. We find it frustrating state officials seem dismissive of the fact the elected bodies of Carlsbad, Hobbs, Eddy County and Lea County, who represent the area around the project, all strongly support the Holtec project.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission concludes the project would be handled safely. Why do we have such a rigorous vetting process if we do not actually consider its conclusions?

The NRC has shown that the canisters that would be shipped to New Mexico can withstand a collision from up to 120 mph. Even in the worstcase hypothetical situations, no radiological leak would take place. Such facts and data, as well as the opinions of those who live in the vicinity of the proposed facility, certainly deserve more consideration.

The Holtec project would represent a $3 billion investment in New Mexico. It would create hundreds of reliable local jobs. And yet, this project is also opposed by those telling us we need to diversify.

Opponents claim an interim storage facility could hurt agriculture or oil and gas in the area, again without addressing the NRC’s extensive conclusions indicating that would not be the case.

Those opposed to nuclear projects seem to view them, unfairly, as some sort of “burden” that has been placed on New Mexico, instead of seeing them as an opportunity and as a solution. We hope all of our legislators will continue to keep an open mind and consider the NRC’s extensive research as they weigh this issue on the Senate floor.

DALE JANWAY Mayor of Carlsbad