The Unfolding Yucca Mountain Scandal?

Falsified Yucca documents lead to investigation of project's science.

1 minute read

March 18, 2005, 11:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


The use of fabricated sources in a study about the safety of the proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear-waste dump -- revealed in a series of emails between scientists -- has Energy and Interior Department officials scrambling to investigate. The U.S. Geological Survey study was critical to the project's approval, as it concluded that radioactive waste inside the depository would be safe, prevented from leaking into groundwater, for thousands of years. The project is already some 14 years behind schedule, and with questions arising about the science supporting the project, opponents -- including Nevada's congressional delegation and its Republican governor, Kenny Guinn -- may be successful in keeping the dump from being built at all. "This proves once again that [the Department of Energy] must cheat and lie in order to make Yucca Mountain look safe," said Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.). "It is abundantly clear that there is no such thing as 'sound science' at Yucca Mountain."

Thanks to Grist Magazine

Thursday, March 17, 2005 in The Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog