WHEREAS, South Carolina has for many years been the disposal site for the large majority of the nation's low-level radioactive waste from nuclear power plants and other commercial facilities which produce low-level radioactive waste; and

WHEREAS, it is long past time for South Carolina to discontinue its role as the nation's nuclear dumping ground;

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby establish the South Carolina Nuclear Waste Task Force (hereinafter referred to as "the Task Force"), which shall have the following responsibilities:

1. To provide the people of South Carolina and the South Carolina General Assembly with a road map to discontinuance of South Carolina's role as the nation's nuclear dumping ground; and

2. To recommend actions to ensure that future disposal needs of South Carolina low-level radioactive waste generators are met.

It is further provided that the Task Force shall be composed of the following members, appointed by the Governor:

1. Four members from the South Carolina House of Representatives; and

2. Four members from the South Carolina Senate; and

3. Five At-Large members, one of whom shall represent interests of in-state nuclear waste generators; one of whom shall represent environmental groups; and one of whom shall serve as shall serve as Chair of the Task Force.

It is further provided that there will be a South Carolina Compact Delegation, appointed by the Governor from the membership of the Task Force and composed of one member of the House, one member of the Senate, and the Chair of the Task Force, who shall also serve as Chair of the Delegation. The Delegation shall meet with officials of regional nuclear waste disposal compacts, officials of other states, and other parties to determine terms under which South Carolina's interests can be served through affiliation with a regional compact, and shall report its findings to the Task Force not later than September 15, 1999.

It is further provided that the Task Force shall provide a Nuclear Waste Disposal Final Report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly not later than November 1, 1999.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 10th DAY OF JUNE, 1999.

JIM HODGES
Governor

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 11:20 A.M.