OLYMPIA... Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-Richland, announced plans today to sponsor a bill clarifying certain rules created through Initiative 297 that harm patient care and damage the Tri-Cities medical research industry. 

Initiative 297, which voters passed in November, prevents the shipment of additional nuclear waste or nuclear byproducts to the Hanford Reservation until the federal government completes cleanup efforts at the site.  The federal government interprets the initiative to include limiting any radioactive waste by-product – including those created through certain cancer treatments. 

The Tri-Cities community is home to many local companies that produce radioactive isotopes used for treating prostate cancer and other types of cancer.  Without clarifying the law, these companies may be forced to move to other states. 

“I know the makers of the initiative didn’t intend to prevent cancer research or treatment in Washington, but unfortunately that’s what may happen if the law isn’t fixed,” Delvin said.  “If you’re fighting prostate cancer, you should be able to get the best treatment possible here in Washington, and keeping these cutting-edge medical research businesses in Washington can help make that happen.” 

Delvin’s bill would clarify the law to assure it wouldn’t adversely affect the storage or manufacturing of radioactive materials when used for medical treatment or research. 

“Without this important clarification of the law, these local businesses may be forced to relocate elsewhere,” Delvin said.  “That would be a loss not just for the Tri-Cities business community, but for citizens across Washington state.” 

Delvin will officially submit the bill for consideration later this week.   

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For further information contact Scott Armstrong at (360) 786-7395 or armstrong.scott@leg.wa.gov