The plan to open a nuclear waste repository under Nevada's Yucca Mountain has taken a big step forward with Senate approval of the plan. The key action on was a 60-39 vote on July 9 to take up the resolution authorizing the site. The Senate then passed the resolution by a voice vote. In May, the House approved the Yucca Mountain resolution by a 306-117 vote.
Under the 1982 Nuclear Waste Policy Act, Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn (R) had vetoed the plan to build the waste facility, which would be located about 100 miles from Las Vegas, but the House and Senate actions overrode his veto.