A new plan to reclassify nuclear waste is an attempt by the federal government to grant themselves the unilateral authority to walk away from its obligation to clean up millions of gallons of toxic, radioactive waste at Hanford. This dangerous idea will only serve to silence the voices of tribal leaders, Hanford workers, public safety officials and the surrounding communities in important conversations.

This is unacceptable, and we will not stand by while this administration plans to abandon its responsibility to clean up their mess. Washington Department of Ecology, Washington State Attorney General Ferguson and I filed comments with the U.S. Department of Energy yesterday opposing their plan to “reinterpret” the classification of waste stored in underground tanks at Hanford.

Under the Obama administration and the Affordable Care Act, Washington was able to make tremendous progress in expanding coverage and start bringing down costs in our health care system. Under the Trump administration, all that progress is at risk.

Because of the instability they’ve brought to the system, consumers in 14 counties have only one option for coverage and our ability to rein in costs has been stymied. But we’re going to do all we can to protect health care for Washingtonians. This #publicoption will ensure consumers in every part of the state will have an option for high-quality, affordable coverage.