WILLIAM P. CLEMENTS, JR. GOVERNOR OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR STATE CAPITOL AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711 March 28, 1979 STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR CLEMENTS POSITION ON NUCLEAR WASTE DISPOSAL I am glad to have this opportunity to set the record straight on my position with regard to nuclear waste disposal--a position which I fear has been widely misunderstood. First, I did not volunteer Texas as a disposal site. But in all realism, Texans must recognize that as nuclear power comes on line we cannot close our minds to the fact that there are wastes which must be taken into consideration. We simply cannot on the one hand say we should build more nuclear plants and, on the other hand, refuse to consider the possible need for some limited waste disposal facility. Today, there are four nuclear projects under construction in our State, and all are due to be in operation by 1982. We already have 15 other sites in Texas--primarily nuclear research facilities of The University of Texas and Texas A&M University which are monitored for radioactive indications So we do have nuclear waste in Texas now, and with more nuclear plants scheduled in a few years it seems reasonable to me that we should begin considering whether Texas should assume, perhaps on a temporary basis, some of the burden of our own waste disposal. I have strongly contended that federal lands in New Mexico, which already have been contaminated by nuclear tests dating back to World War II, are the logical sites for nuclear disposal on a national basis. That prospect is now under study, and I would expect a decision within a year to a year-and- a-half. I hope this clears any confusion as to my views on this very significant and very emotional issue and indicatesthat there is room for agreement between us. WY-Th cap Sincerely yours, William P. Clements, Jr. Governor