JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A new Special Interim Committee has been established to assess the impact that nuclear weapons production has had on Missouri’s residents and environment. The committee will focus on addressing the long-term health, environmental, and economic consequences of nuclear weapons work in the state.
The Special Interim Committee on the Impact of U.S. Nuclear Weapon Programs on Missouri will bring together policymakers, health professionals, environmental experts, and affected community members to document their concerns and develop legislative solutions. The committee, chaired by Representative Tricia Byrnes, will host its inaugural meeting at the Spencer Creek Library, 427 Spencer Rd, St. Peters, MO 63376 on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This bipartisan initiative has garnered support from both sides of the aisle, reflecting the importance of addressing these longstanding issues. The following representatives have been appointed to serve on the committee
- Tricia Byrnes, Chair
- Mark Matthiesen, Vice-Chair
- Raychel Proudie, Ranking Minority Member
- Aaron Crossley
- Ian Mackey
- Don Mayhew
- Renee Reuter
- Richard West
“We must take a comprehensive approach to address the lasting impact of nuclear weapons production in Missouri,” Rep. Byrnes, R-Wentzville, said. “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,” Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said. “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 Special Interim Committee has two main goals. First, it will document concerns by collecting testimonies from survivors, former production workers, and those involved in environmental remediation. These stories will highlight the health and financial challenges these communities have faced.
Second, the committee will provide legislative suggestions based on these findings. Proposed legislation for 2025 may include expanding the Radioactive Waste Testing Fund, exempting Federal Nuclear Bomb Victim’s Compensation funds and NIOSH settlements from Missouri state taxes, and strengthening notification requirements for workers involved in Superfund site remediation. Additional recommendations may follow as needed.
The committee’s findings will form the basis for proposed legislation in the 2025 legislative session aimed at mitigating the health and environmental risks posed by the legacy of nuclear weapons production.