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State of South Carolina Office of the Governor August 27, 2001 Secretary Spencer Abraham U.S. Department of Energy Dear Secretary Abraham: As I have stated in writing to you on several occasions, as Governor of South Carolina, I will not accept shipments of plutonium to SRS for storage without a clear timetable and legally binding and enforceable agreement for removing this dangerous material from South Carolina. I must defend the health and safety of South Carolinians as I ask you to honor your prior commitments to our state. There have been published reports that the DOE is prepared to commit in writing to postpone the plutonium shipments indefinitely until an agreement has been reached that satisfies both parties - the people of South Carolina and the federal government. As I have stated during meetings and in correspondence with your office, an agreement must be enforceable and legally binding and must include concrete milestones and a definite timetable for shipping plutonium out of South Carolina after processing for disposition. I request that you provide a letter by close of business on Tuesday, August 28, at 5 p.m., confirming your commitment to indefinitely postpone plutonium shipments to South Carolina. I ask that your letter announce the indefinite postponement of plutonium shipments until both parties - South Carolina and DOE - have reached a mutual agreement as outlined above. I stand ready to work with you on this critical issue to our state and country. Sincerely, Jim Hodges
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