Jobs, Not Waste Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 24, 2026
Bottom line
This bill permanently ends the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository project and directs the government to explore alternative economic development opportunities for the site in Nevada.
What it actually does
This bill permanently terminates the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository licensing process, withdraws the Department of Energy's application, and prohibits any future consideration of the site for nuclear waste storage. It mandates the Secretary of Energy to reclaim the site and mitigate environmental impacts. Additionally, it requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to conduct a study on the economic viability and job-creating benefits of alternative uses for the Yucca Mountain site.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill provides a definitive end to a long-standing, controversial project, protecting Nevada from becoming the nation's nuclear waste dump. They contend it redirects focus towards economically beneficial and job-creating alternative uses for the site, aligning with local and state interests and promoting responsible land use while addressing past environmental impacts.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that terminating the Yucca Mountain project without a viable alternative for nuclear waste disposal exacerbates the nation's nuclear waste problem, leaving spent fuel stored indefinitely at reactor sites across the country. They may contend that significant federal investment has already been made in Yucca Mountain, and abandoning it represents a waste of taxpayer money and a failure to fulfill a national responsibility.
The bill is very short and straightforward, allowing for quick comprehension by any interested reader.
Section 3(a) and 3(b)
Repeal of Yucca Mountain Authorization and Termination of Licensing
This provision repeals specific sections of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 and Public Law 107-200 that authorized and supported the Yucca Mountain project. It explicitly withdraws the Department of Energy's application for a construction authorization and terminates the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's licensing proceeding for the proposed repository at the Yucca Mountain site.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this action definitively ends the decades-long, contentious effort to establish a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, fulfilling a promise to the state of Nevada and addressing local concerns about safety and environmental impact.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that this repeal abandons the only congressionally designated site for permanent nuclear waste disposal, leaving the nation without a long-term solution and potentially increasing risks associated with interim storage at reactor sites.
Tradeoffs
The tension is between addressing the concerns of Nevada residents and finding a national solution for nuclear waste. Terminating Yucca Mountain resolves the former but exacerbates the latter.
Section 3(c)
Permanent Prohibition on Yucca Mountain as a Repository Site
This provision explicitly prohibits the Secretary of Energy from considering or reconsidering the Yucca Mountain site for the location of a nuclear waste repository, effective immediately upon enactment. This aims to make the termination permanent and prevent future attempts to revive the project.
Section 3(d)
Site Reclamation and Environmental Mitigation
This provision requires the Secretary of Energy to take all reasonable and necessary steps to reclaim the Yucca Mountain site and mitigate any significant adverse environmental impacts caused by previous site characterization and related activities. This ensures environmental restoration after the project's termination.
Section 4
Study on Economic Benefits of Alternative Site Uses
This provision mandates the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit a study to Congress within 180 days on the economic viability and job-creating benefits of alternative uses for the Yucca Mountain site. The study must consider options like defense activities (e.g., unmanned aircraft systems command facility), renewable energy development, and scientific research, building on a previous GAO report.