JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A new Missouri House committee will study the fallout of radioactive waste and World War II-era nuclear weapons production in the St. Louis region.
The initiative aims to address the long-term health, environmental, and economic consequences of nuclear weapons production in Missouri, most notably St. Louis through the Manhattan Project.
The special interim committee will hold its first meeting on Oct. 15 to gather testimony from impacted residents, former nuclear waste workers, and environmental experts. From there, the committee intends to recommend legislation to protect public health, ensure remediation efforts and possibly provide relief for impaired communities.
The following Missouri House representatives will serve on the committee:
Rep. Tricia Byrnes (Chair)
Rep. Mark Matthiesen (Vice-Chair)
Rep. Raychel Proudie (Ranking Minority Member)
Rep. Aaron Crossley
Rep. Ian Mackey
Rep. Don Mayhew
Rep. Renee Reuter
Rep. Richard West
“We must take a comprehensive approach to address the lasting impact of nuclear weapons production in Missouri,” said Rep. Byrnes (R-Wentzville) via a news release. “The health and well-being of our residents and the environment are at stake. This committee will listen to survivors, production workers, and remediation workers to understand the real-world impact on their health and financial stability.”
“Missouri has long felt the effects of nuclear weapons production, and it’s our responsibility to address the consequences head-on,” said Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher (R-Des Peres). “This committee will provide an opportunity for voices to be heard and for us to create meaningful solutions to protect our people and environment.”
The committee’s findings will form the basis for proposed legislation in Missouri’s 2025 legislative session.
A report surfaced last year suggesting that the federal government downplayed and failed to fully investigate the risks of nuclear waste contamination that stemmed from the World War II-era Manhattan Project in St. Louis County.
The issue was recently brought to national attention when environmental investigation consultants pointed out radioactive contamination at Jana Elementary School in north St. Louis County. There are also prolonged concerns about the West Lake landfill in Bridgeton, Coldwater Creek through multiple municipalities, and a former uranium plant site in Weldon Spring.
Efforts to secure compensation for victims of radioactive contamination through U.S. Congress have gained some momentum in recent years, including a push from a local advocacy group Just Moms STL, but legislation on the matter has not passed as of September 2024.
