Antinuclear

Some worried about radiation leaking out of the storage casks meant to hold the waste for about 40 years, per the license application……….

What’s at risk?   Jimmy Carlile, health, safety and environment and regulatory supervisor at Fasken Oil, an oil extraction company based in Midland, Texas, testified before New Mexico lawmakers last month that if the facility leaked, it could have devastating impacts on the state’s extraction industry.

He argued extraction is an essential industry in New Mexico and west Texas and cannot be put at risk of radioactive contamination.

“Any release of high-level nuclear waste cannot be positive for the Permian Basin community regardless of what side of the state line you’re on,” he said……..

Linda Squire, a dairy farmer from Hagerman, said a radiological event could cripple the local dairy industry, which she argued generates 17,000 area jobs and is an essential part of the region’s economy.

“We are very concerned about a worst-case scenario. Bad things can happen if you let your guard down,” Squire said. “If there were a worst-case scenario, the beef would be unsaleable, the milk would be unsaleable.”