On Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:00:44 -0600, dpb wrote:

BobR wrote:
...
I believe there are safe ways to dispose of it but until a valid plan
is in place to do so, we have no damn business creating yet more
waste. Right now, there is nothing but stockpiling the stuff in
holding areas that are an ever increasing hazard to everyone. Find a
solution, prove it, implement it and then lets talk about building new
facilities. Until then, NO!

Unfortunately, we need the power now and the problem to be solved is
primarily political, not technical.

As noted upthread, Reid has been using Yucca Mountain as his own
personal populist whipping boy to his personal advantage for nearly 30
years. Once it does finally open and we can move stuff from the spent
fuel pools, there really is no crisis as far as ultimate disposal by
whatever means is finally allowed. Again, that will primarily be a
political, not technical decision.

Harry "Pinky" Reid says Yucca Mountain will not open.

Other recent comment (DAGS).

"DOE: Cost Estimate Soars for Yucca Mountain Project

08/06/2008
By Pam Hunter and Tom Ichniowski

The cost of the proposed nuclear waste repository beneath Nevada’s
Yucca Mountain has risen sharply. The Dept. of Energy reported on Aug.
5 the project’s estimated 150-year life-cycle cost is $96.2 billion,
up 67% from 2001’s $57.5-billion. DOE says the hike includes $16
billion for inflation and a 26% rise in the amount of spent fuel to be
disposed. Construction, operation and decommissioning comprise $54.8
billion of the new figure."

http://enr.ecnext.com/coms2/article_newaar080806d

Intersting photos he

http://www.yuccamountain.org/photo.htm