WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Frank H. Murkowski today released the following statement after the Senate Energy Committee approved Senate Joint Resolution 34 by a vote of 13 to 10, approving the site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada for the development of a repository for the disposal of high-level nuclear radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. “Today’s vote clears the way for the Senate to finally let the federal government keep a promise made to Americans more than a decade ago. After more than $4 billion and 24 years of scientific research, it’s clear that Yucca Mountain is well suited to serve as our central repository. “The current shotgun approach to waste storage is not an alternative we can afford. It’s simply a symptom of the delays associated with opening Yucca Mountain. Now, more than ever, a safe, central secure facility is needed for our nation’s nuclear waste. “I hope the Senate leadership will work together to swiftly move this resolution through and down to the President.” ###