McCain vs. Obama on Yucca

Related story Energy secretary: Yucca no longer option for nuclear waste

Sun Topics Yucca Mountain

WASHINGTON -- Republican Sen. John McCain drew a swift response from Nevada on Thursday after he criticized the Obama administration’s intention to substantially scale back funding for the proposed Yucca Mountain waste dump.

The former Republican presidential candidate's comments were a reminder of the starkly different views he and his one-time rival for the White House, President Barack Obama, hold on the Yucca Mountain issue.

Rep. Shelley Berkley said, “Senator McCain has been shameless in pushing to turn Nevada into a toxic radioactive garbage dump.”

McCain's comments came during a spirited exchange as he questioned Stephen Chu, Obama’s energy secretary, at a Senate hearing on the Hill, according to the Associated Press.

"What's wrong with Yucca Mountain, Mr. Chu?" McCain asked, according to the AP.

"I think we can do a better job," replied the Nobel Prize-wining physicist.

Chu said Yucca Mountain was not an option for storing spent nuclear fuel.

Earlier this week, the Sun reported that several prominent pro-Yucca Republicans are planning to fight the administration’s plans to back off Yucca Mountain.

Without mentioning McCain, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid welcomed Chu’s commitment to do away with Yucca.

“I am pleased that President Obama and Secretary Chu are holding firm on their commitment to kill the dump,” Reid said.

Reid and the Obama administration are working with the nuclear industry to develop alternatives to Yucca. Some want a blue ribbon committee to devise a new plan.

“Along with the Obama administration and leaders in industry, I will be working in the coming months to determine the best way to deal with the nation's nuclear waste," Reid said.