Introduced By: Councilmember Rubin

RESOLUTION #1995 – 43

OPPOSING TRANSPORT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE NEAR OR THROUGH TAKOMA PARK

WHEREAS, the City of Takoma Park, Maryland, is a Nuclear-free Zone; and

WHEREAS, documentation provided by the State of Nevada indicates that radioactive waste might be transported through the City of Takoma Park as early as 1998 should United States Senate Bill 167 or similar legislation be enacted into law;

AND

WHEREAS, the railway line on which the radioactive waste would travel traverses the corporate limits of the City of Takoma Park, Maryland; AND

WHEREAS, the federal government, pursuant to the provisions of Senate Bill 167 and similar, proposed legislation, would limit funding to localities for training of emergency response personnel and purchasing of radiological disaster equipment;

AND

WHEREAS, the health and safety of City residents could be imperiled, property values likely could fall, and attraction of new business and retention of existing businesses could be made more difficult, should radioactive waste be transported through Takoma Park; AND

WHEREAS, Takoma Park’s municipal neighbor, the City of Mount Rainier, Maryland, is on record in opposition to Senate Bill 167 and similar legislation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND, THAT the City of Takoma Park opposes the transport of radioactive waste near or through Takoma Park; AND

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT the City of Takoma Park affirms its solidarity with the City of Mount Rainier in opposition to Senate Bill 167 and all similar legislation; AND

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT the City of Takoma Park supports the creation of an independent Presidential commission to reexamine our Nation’s radioactive waste policy; AND

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT the Clerk of Takoma Park shall forward a copy of this Resolution to the City’s elected local, state, and federal representatives, to the Governor of the State of Nevada, and to the President of the United States of America.

Adopted this 11 th day of September, 1995.

ATTEST:

Catherine E. W. Sartoph
City Clerk