News Summary
The Nevada state Legislature has passed Assembly Joint Resolution 13, urging the federal government to uphold the moratorium on nuclear weapons testing. This unanimous decision reflects a bipartisan consensus amid rising concerns over health risks and environmental safety linked to potential nuclear testing. Advocates, including residents affected by past nuclear tests, emphasize the importance of prioritizing public health over notions of national security, showing overwhelming opposition to any resumption of explosive testing.
Las Vegas, Nevada — The Nevada state Legislature has come together to unanimously pass Assembly Joint Resolution 13, urging the federal government to maintain the moratorium on nuclear weapons testing. This resolution reflects a broad consensus among state representatives from both political parties, as well as support from various business and environmental groups.
The resolution comes in response to recent calls from some political factions to resume nuclear testing, especially following remarks from Robert C. O’Brien connected to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025. These calls have raised concerns statewide, particularly among citizens who have lived through the impacts of previous nuclear tests.
From 1951 to 1992, the United States conducted more than 900 nuclear tests at the Nevada Test Site, accounting for approximately 90% of all U.S. nuclear testing. This extensive testing program resulted in elevated levels of radiation in some areas, leading to health issues for many local residents. Historically, many Southern Nevadans took pride in supporting the nuclear testing program, viewing it as vital for national security. However, this perception has shifted over time as awareness of the serious health risks associated with radiation exposure has grown.
Individuals like Linda Chase, a lifelong resident of Nevada, have shared personal stories illustrating the long-term effects of nuclear testing. Chase witnessed atomic blasts from her front yard in Las Vegas, just 65 miles from the Nevada Test Site, and has suffered health impacts from the exposure, having developed a kidney-affecting autoimmune disorder at just nine years old. Additionally, her family paid a painful price, as her father succumbed to bladder cancer shortly after being diagnosed.
In 1992, in light of health and safety concerns, Congress established a moratorium on explosive nuclear testing. This cessation of testing has not only been beneficial for public health, but it has also promoted advancements in modern non-nuclear testing methods, which experts confirm can ensure nuclear stockpile safety without needing to detonate explosives. Nonetheless, proponents of resuming testing argue for the need to ensure national security against emerging global threats.
Concerns extend beyond the immediate health risks posed by explosive testing. There is significant apprehension about the potential dangers of underground testing, particularly the risk of radioactive leaks that can contaminate water supplies. An incident in 1970 serves as a historical reminder where underground testing resulted in the release of significant levels of radioactive materials into the environment.
Further complicating the landscape is the discontinuation of formal compensation efforts for victims of past nuclear exposure, as the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act expired in June 2024. This has left many families struggling to cope with the lasting effects of exposure without necessary support.
In recent years, the demographics in and around the test site have seen dramatic changes, with the population increasing from approximately 50,000 to 2.3 million. This growth adds urgency to the concerns of Nevadans, who overwhelmingly oppose any potential resumption of explosive nuclear testing. The residents emphasize the importance of health, environmental safety, and economic stability—highlighting the potential impacts on Nevada’s reputation as a growing tourist destination that drew over 40 million visitors in 2023.
Highlighting the profound historical and emotional resonance of their experiences, advocates like Chase stress the importance of prioritizing public health and safety over outdated concepts surrounding nuclear weapons and national security. As the debate continues, the recent resolution serves as a clear mandate reflecting the will of the people of Nevada to prevent a return to the nuclear testing era.
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Additional Resources
- The Nevada Independent
- Wikipedia: Nuclear Testing
- Las Vegas Sun
- Google Search: Nevada nuclear testing
- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nuclear Test
- History.com
- 8 News Now
