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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2002

The Department of Energy is being urged to beef up security at weapons plants throughout the nation by a government oversight group and a Democratic Congressman.

In a report, the Project on Government Oversight says nuclear facilities could be easily breached by terrorists, who could then fashion makeshift bombs. The group points out that, during safety exercises, mock terrorists were able to do just that.

But John Gordon, Undersecretary of Energy for National Security, said those tests are sometimes run to fail. He said he was confident in the security of the facilities.

Terrorist threats have become an increasing concern voiced by opponents of a national nuclear waste dump in Nevada, Yucca Mountain. At the same time, critics say leaving the waste where it is also poses risks.

Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) is urging Secretary Spencer Abraham on the issue.

Get the Story:
Nuclear Arms Plants' Security Lax, Report Says (The Washington Post 1/23)
Suicidal Nuclear Threat Is Seen at Weapons Plants (The New York Times 1/23)
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Relevant Links:
The Yucca Mountain Project, Department of Energy - http://www.ymp.gov

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