Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR243

Introduced
3/22/23  

Caption

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of State should ensure that the Government of Canada does not permanently store nuclear waste in the Great Lakes Basin.

Impact

This resolution aims to influence United States foreign policy by urging diplomatic engagement with Canada to prevent any nuclear waste facilities from being situated in the Great Lakes region. The proposed legislation reflects a broader commitment to protecting shared natural resources and acknowledges the necessity of safeguarding the Great Lakes from potential contamination. The unified stance of local, state, and tribal governments against the nuclear waste repository underscores the significant public apprehension regarding the safety of the water supply and local ecosystems.

Summary

HR243, introduced in the House of Representatives, expresses the sense of the House that the President and the Secretary of State should ensure that the Government of Canada does not establish a permanent nuclear waste repository in the Great Lakes Basin. The bill arises from significant concerns regarding the environmental, health, and economic impacts that could arise from the construction of such a repository near one of the largest sources of freshwater in North America. With over 40 million people relying on the Great Lakes for drinking water, the risks associated with nuclear waste management in this region are pronounced and widely acknowledged.

Contention

While support for HR243 is significant, it also raises concerns about the implications of international agreements on environmental policies. Proponents argue that the potential for a nuclear waste repository in the Great Lakes poses unacceptable risks not just to Americans, but also to Canadians, thus necessitating a collaborative and preventive approach. However, tensions may arise if Canada perceives U.S. actions as infringing on its sovereignty or delaying necessary waste management solutions. Thus, the bill reflects a critical intersection of environmental protection, diplomatic relations, and public health.

Companion Bills

US SR117

Same As A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the President and the Secretary of State should ensure that the Government of Canada does not permanently store nuclear waste in the Great Lakes Basin.

Previously Filed As

US SR117

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the President and the Secretary of State should ensure that the Government of Canada does not permanently store nuclear waste in the Great Lakes Basin.

US HR124

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should support the expansion of domestic nuclear energy and advanced nuclear technology as a viable source of power in order to promote United States nuclear energy leadership and global energy independence.

US HR525

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the African Union should be a permanent member of the Group of 20.

US HR253

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Vice President Kamala Harris should be removed from her position as the head of the Biden administration's strategy to address the root causes of migration.

US HR510

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Parthenon Marbles should be returned to Greece.

US HR641

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) nuclear security role.

US HR234

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives relating to the commemoration of the 190th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand.

US HR336

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the House should recognize Robert Aitken's Bible as a historical document of the United States Congress.

US HR180

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Thomas Garrett was and should be recognized as a national abolitionist leader and activist in the struggle against slavery in the United States.

US HR85

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United Nations Security Council should immediately impose an arms embargo against the military of Burma.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.