RADIATION RANCH

The Yucca Mountain Project -- a depository for the nation's nuclear waste -- is the major political issue in Nevada right now, and the state just won a big victory over the federal government. Local citizens' opposition is obvious and (as the federal government has had a poor history of disclosure on radioactive emissions for over half a century) understandable.

The project was an issue in the 2000 presidential campaign and John Kerry is pledging his opposition this year. He's not disclosed specific alternatives, though there are some possibilities he might choose.