The Department of Energy (DOE) seeks to open a permanent repository for plutonium-contaminated wastes, from nuclear weapons production, near Carlsbad, New Mexico. The waste would be stored indefinitely in minded salt caverns 2,000 feet below the desert at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

Residents of New Mexico and environmentalists feel strongly that the DOE must demonstrate compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's standards for nuclear waste disposal before any waste is emplaced at WIPP. WIPP is currently exempt from many public health and safety standards.

Representative Bill Richardson (D, NM-3) offered an amendment to prohibit the disposal of radioactive waste at WIPP until the Environmental Protection Agency certifies that the plant is in compliance with its radioactive waste regulations. The Richardson amendment was rejected 148-253 on July 21, 1992. YES is the pro-environment vote.