CWWG

2006 Defense Authorization Bill Keeps KY & CO Weapons Disposal Separate from Incineration Program

Chemical Weapons Working Group
128 Main St. Berea KY 40403
859-986-7565  859-986-2695 (F)
www.cwwg.org    craig@cwwg.org
for more information:
Craig Williams 859-986-7565 or
 859-302-1103 (cell)
for immediate release, Thursday, December 22, 2005

2006 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL KEEPS KY AND CO WEAPONS DISPOSAL SEPARATE FROM INCINERATION PROGRAM

Much to the relief of concerned citizens, the final version of the 2006 Defense Authorization Bill does not move oversight of weapons neutralization programs in Kentucky and Colorado back to the Army office in charge of incineration, despite an amendment in the House version of the bill that called for just such a management realignment.

For Kentucky and Colorado, the separation of the ACWA (Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives) Program from the Army's incineration program, as mandated by law in 1996, allowed for a unique approach to weapons destruction, which included unprecedented program transparency and citizen involvement in decision making.

Not willing to risk losing these vital ingredients in the weapons destruction programs in their states, US Senators from Kentucky and Colorado took a firm and ultimately successful stand opposing the House amendment in the joint House/Senate Conference Committee.

CWWG Director, Craig Williams said, "Both sites have demonstrated extraordinary progress through the ACWA model of meaningful community engagement. Turning the program back to an office still doing business the old 'decide, deny, defend' way would only slow things down. We greatly appreciate our Senators holding the line on defeating this amendment."

KY Senator Mitch McConnell, a key player in the opposition to the realignment, commented, "I am disappointed that some members in the House sought this misguided change. Fortunately, those of us who know and understand this program were able to defeat the measure before it became law which helps ensure that clean up efforts continue to proceed safely and efficiently with full community involvement."
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Chemical Weapons Working Group
Kentucky Environmental Foundation
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Berea, KY 40403
phone: 859-986-7565
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