Explosive nuclear weapons testing would be bad for Nevada and the world.
Resuming explosive nuclear weapons testing 65 miles outside of Las Vegas, as some former government officials are advocating, is unnecessary, would risk the safety of Nevadans, and undermine America’s national security. Testing would break a decades-long nuclear testing moratorium, pose environmental risks, and increase global tensions—all while accelerating a nuclear arms race that threatens humanity.
facts
Restarting nuclear testing would introduce environmental, health, and economic risks, and scuttle a global treaty signed by more than 180 countries — including the United States, China, and Russia.
Risky
An accident could cause radioactive contamination of air, soil, and precious water resources, leading to higher cancer rates.
unpopular
73% of Nevada voters oppose resumed testing, including a majority of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats.
dangerous
The test site is 65 miles from Las Vegas. 50,000 people lived in Clark County when testing began. 2.3 million live there today.
In 1970, a U.S. underground nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site accidentally vented radioactive material across a widespread area of the western United States, resulting in the release of 80,000 curies of radioactive contamination into the atmosphere and exposure of 86 workers to high levels of radiation.
community voices
Nevada business leaders, elected officials, community, and environmental groups oppose testing.
what people are saying
“Nuclear detonations left a lasting impact on Nevada’s residents, land, and water, with consequences that continue to shape the region today. Since then, the United States has utilized cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of these weapons. We don’t need to go back to the old way of doing things!”
Assemblymember Danielle Gallant
“Resuming explosive nuclear testing in Nevada could cause serious damage to the state’s economy and risk the health and wellbeing of our workforce. Earthquake-like tremors and the risk of a radioactive incident could dampen investment and threaten our real estate and tourism sectors.”
Peter Guzman, President of the Latin Chamber of Commerce
“Accidents from resumed nuclear testing could threaten the health and safety of Nevadans, adding to the long list of victims of radiation exposure who are told that the funds for restoring their health, their very lives, is simply not in the budget.”
Linda Chase, Nevada Downwinder
“Detonating nuclear weapons underground has already contaminated groundwater. The threats posed to the environment including to our state’s scarce water resources are far too great.”
Kristee Watson, Executive Director of the Nevada Conservation League
“Resuming explosive nuclear testing in Nevada will set off a diplomatic chain reaction that will damage our national security and international standing.”
Ernest J. Moniz, Former U.S. Secretary of Energy
“No family should have to endure the suffering and loss that mine has…For the safety of Nevadans and our environment, there is no reason to restart below ground detonation of nuclear devices.”
Dr. John Klacking
“Roughly 50,000 people lived in Clark County when the military first picked the test site for detonating nuclear weapons. We’re 2.3 million today. The risks posed to Nevadans are too great, which is why I am opposed to any resumption of nuclear testing.”
Sandra Jauregui, Nevada Assembly Majority Leader