WHEREAS, The Fast Flux Test Facility is the nation's most advanced test reactor; and

WHEREAS, Numerous independent studies have suggested that the facility could one day be used to produce cancer-curing medical isotopes; and

WHEREAS, The facility has also been considered by the Department of Energy for short-term production of tritium for our nation's defense needs; and

WHEREAS, Utilizing the Fast Flux Test Facility for this purpose could help postpone construction of more expensive options for tritium production, thus freeing federal dollars for environmental purposes during the Department of Energy's "Ten-Year Cleanup Plan"; and

WHEREAS, This would protect Hanford cleanup from budget pressures during this time frame and ensure that the federal government fulfills its responsibilities under the Tri-Party Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Private sector involvement in the Fast Flux Test Facility project could further reduce federal expenditures needed for tritium production; and

WHEREAS, The use of the Fast Flux Test Facility for the production of cancer-curing medical isotopes could lead to the development of a major cancer treatment center in Washington State; and

WHEREAS, Sixty-nine nationally recognized cancer researchers have expressed their strong support for preserving the Fast Flux Test Facility, and have argued that they would find it "unconscionable to shut down the Fast Flux Test Facility without a full review of its potential for future operation, including isotope production"; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Energy is proceeding to deactivate the Fast Flux Test Facility despite overwhelming evidence supporting a decision to develop the facility for medical and tritium production purposes;

NOW, THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectfully pray that the United States Congress and executive agencies halt deactivation of the Fast Flux Test Facility and begin developing the facility for medical and tritium production purposes.