Bill would allow above ground Texas storage

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Warren Chisum of Pampa, had threatened to kill it after an amendment that would allow private companies to run such facilities was added last week.

The Republican lawmaker had feared the amendment would open the door to the state becoming the nation's dumping ground for low-level radioactive waste.

After consulting with several attorneys today, Chisum said he felt private companies will not be able to apply for permits to dispose of the waste underground, which had been his main worry.

Chisum said companies would be able to apply to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission for permits for above-ground storage, but operating those dumps would be too cumbersome for many of the companies that have shown interest.

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