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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 27, 2001 |
CONTACT: Kay Maxwell
(803)734-1605
(803)518-0918 |
MILES BACKS
HODGES' STAND ON PLUTONIUM SHIPMENTS
As the ranking Republican
Constitutional Officer of South Carolina, Secretary of State
Jim Miles announced Saturday that he will join Governor
Hodges in urging the Department of Energy to postpone
shipment of plutonium to South Carolina.
"This is an issue of public safety," said Secretary Miles.
"The security of our state and the safety of our families
are issues too important for partisan politics."
Miles said he would join Governor Hodges in contacting
Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham and publicly oppose the
shipments to demonstrate a united front on the issue in
South Carolina.
Miles said that he supports Governor Hodges' view that
moving plutonium to South Carolina at this time creates a
target for terrorists. Hodges announced Friday that he had
renewed his opposition to transporting plutonium to the SRS
site in South Carolina, citing recent reports that the
Department of Energy intends to immediately load and move
plutonium in Rocky Flats, Colorado, into trucks headed for
South Carolina.
"We must have a clear plan for transport and the proper
disposal or use of the plutonium before the Department of
Energy moves this deadly weapon," said Secretary Miles. "The
federal government must come to an agreement with the
leaders of our state and ensure the safety of our citizens."
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