Although there is no such thing as a perfect repository site for spent nuclear fuel, Yucca Mountain possesses many positive attributes that one can arguably characterize it as the most optimal disposal option for U.S. nuclear waste. The Nuclear Waste Policy Act clearly states that DOE and NRC are the key decision makers with respect to evaluating Yucca Mountain’s safety and suitability, and Yucca has met all of the requirements and standards issued by both agencies. Although progress on Yucca was halted in 2010 under the Obama Administration, there is optimism surrounding Yucca with the next president and Congress. Although there is no guarantee for the revival of Yucca, there are those who argue that funding should be restarted so that the licensing process for the repository can be completed and that engagement and communication between the federal government and the State of Nevada should be reestablished.
