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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2001

An investigation of a law firm working on the controversial Yucca Mountain nuclear waste project in Nevada has turned up a questionable relationship with a pro-nuclear lobbying firm.

According to the inspector general of the Department of Energy, at least 14 members of the Chicago-based Winston & Strawn also work for a pro-nuclear lobbying group. But the department did not say the law firm's failure to disclose the relationship was a conflict of interest.

The law firm is being paid $16.5 million to help the DOE prepare its application for the Yucca Mountain project. Allegations the firm surreptitiously obtained an internal government document that would unfairly help the DOE, which is supposed to be unbiased on the site, were not addressed by the inspector general.

Tribes in the area oppose the project.

Get the Story:
Probe finds Nevada nuclear dump law firm had dual roles (AP 11/15)

Relevant Links:
The Yucca Mountain Project, Department of Energy - http://www.ymp.gov

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