NNSA Chief Says Current Nuclear Test Readiness Is 'Not Responsible Stewardship'

By Adam J. Hebert / June 13, 2002 at 5:00 AM
Nearly three years would be needed to perform a new underground nuclear test if the president decided to order one, a time frame the head of the National Nuclear Security Administration said yesterday should be shortened to ensure "responsible stewardship." A more responsive time line would be 18 months from decision to test, and some officials make a good case for a 12-month delay, said NNSA Administrator John Gordon. After declining to be pinned down on a specific time frame...

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