yes, it was political...there were supposed to be three sites studied in the 1970s Nuclear Waster Policy Act... Texas and WA state were the other two. They were eliminated on pure political considerations, ignoring whether they would be better on a scientific basis. Nevada had the least political pull and a large amount of desert and got the short straw. But, it is a lot better than letting it pile up in local reactors where there is limited and not so safe storage. The shipping containers are VERY strong and very safe and have been tested in extreme conditions.
Slashdot Mirror
yes, it was political...there were supposed to be three sites studied in the 1970s Nuclear Waster Policy Act... Texas and WA state were the other two. They were eliminated on pure political considerations, ignoring whether they would be better on a scientific basis. Nevada had the least political pull and a large amount of desert and got the short straw. But, it is a lot better than letting it pile up in local reactors where there is limited and not so safe storage. The shipping containers are VERY strong and very safe and have been tested in extreme conditions.