Legislative findings

(1) The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that Oregon is not assured that the United States Department of Energy will: (a) Consider the unique features of Oregon and the needs of the people of Oregon when assessing the Hanford Nuclear Reservation as a potentially suitable location for the long-term disposal of high-level radioactive waste; or (b) Ensure adequate opportunity for public participation in the assessment process. (2) Over the past 45 years, the United States has developed and produced nuclear weapons at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and during this period large quantities of radioactive hazardous and chemical wastes have accumulated at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, and the waste sites pose an immediate and serious long-term threat to the environment and to public health and safety. (3) Therefore, the Legislative Assembly declares that it is in the best interests of the State of Oregon to establish an Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board to serve as a focus for the State of Oregon in the development of a state policy to be presented to the federal government, to ensure a maximum of public participation in the assessment and cleanup process.