State Rep. Shane Hernandez of Port Huron issued the following statement after Ontario Power Generation said it is no longer considering an underground storage facility for low- and intermediate-level nuclear waste near Lake Huron, and will consider alternatives. Hernandez co-sponsors a concurrent resolution in the Michigan Legislature calling on Congress to prevent Canada and Ontario Power Generation from proceeding with construction on a high-level waste storage site:

“This decision is a victory for our Great Lakes and all Michigan residents, especially those who live in the Thumb – but we must stay vigilant because the fight is not over. We must ensure the entire Great Lakes basin is protected from reckless decisions that could put our water and our families at risk.

“This site never should have been given serious consideration. It was too close to drinking water intakes for southeast Michigan, and it put the entire Great Lakes ecosystem at risk. As Canada and Ontario Power Generation go back to the drawing board, I will continue fighting to make sure our Great Lakes and public health are protected. Any facility they consider should be placed outside the Great Lakes basin.”

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