The Ethics of Nuclear-Waste Disposal

While the editorial on nuclear waste is most timely,much more needs to be said. Indeed the energy bill, as finalized, will not prompt sighs of relief among involved and informed people, as the editorial so well puts it. The measure is replete with costly concessions to such pressure groups as the environmental movement and is loaded with "pork" in the form of tax and other goodies to encourage production of alternative motor-vehicle fuels.

The editorial is accurate in observing that the radioactive-waste situation is perhaps the most pressing issue the energy bill addresses. Its history is one of political vacillation and timidity in the face of obstructionist tactics employed by environmentalists who are intent on keeping nuclear development halted by preventing the designation of any waste repository.

While the provision for simplified procedures for licensing nuclear reactors appears to be a favorable development, the virtually certain overall result of this legislative monstrosity will be greatly increased electricity costs to Americans and higher taxes levied to provide the "pork" to special-interest recipients. Earl Eigabroadt, Port Orchard, Wash.

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