Nuclear waste disposal is a long-term project that often takes much longer than originally planned. WIPP is the only facility of its kind in the United States, and its operation is vital for cleaning up Cold War-era nuclear sites across the country. If the original 14-year payment window expires while the site is still active, New Mexico would lose millions of dollars in annual funding while still bearing all the risks and infrastructure wear-and-tear associated with the facility.

This bill matters because it holds the federal government accountable to the communities that host its most hazardous materials. By tying payments to the actual closure of the site rather than an arbitrary date, it ensures that local safety and economic support stay in place as long as the waste is a factor.