Senator re-introduced legislation allowing Arizonans in Mohave County previously exposed to downwind radiation to receive the payments they are due
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema introduced the Downwinders Parity Act – critical legislation supporting Arizonans in Mohave County who have long sought the ability to access the payments they are due for exposure to downwind radiation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.
“Current law prevents Arizonans in Mohave County exposed to radiation from receiving the payments they are due. We’re fixing this injustice by expanding eligibility coverage so these Arizonans can receive the payments they are due,” said Sinema.
Sinema’s Downwinders Parity Act fixes the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act by extending the area in which Arizonans are eligible for compensation. This legislation expands compensation eligibility coverage to all of Mohave County.
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act allows partial compensation to individuals who developed serious illnesses after presumed exposure to radiation released during atmospheric nuclear tests or after employment in the uranium industry. Approximately 1,500-2,000 residents of Mohave County will be eligible for compensation under Sinema’s Downwinders Parity Act. Last year, Sinema was part of a coalition of Senators and Representatives to extend the provisions of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act for two years, and she continues to push for the broader extension of the program.
Arizona counties currently covered by the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act are Apache, Coconino, Gila, Navajo, and Yavapai.