Nuclear testing could be returning to Nevada for the first time since 1992. President Trump revealed on Thursday that he has ordered the military to start testing nuclear weapons after a 33-year freeze. His reasoning is that nuclear programs in China and Russia have advanced rapidly and that the US can’t fall behind those superpowers.
After reporters asked the president where the testing might take place, he said “we have the sites available.” The sole remaining primary nuclear testing site lies just 60 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
the mushroom clouds could be seen from the city
The Nevada National Security Site was the main testing ground on over 900 occasions between 1951 and 1992. The proximity to Las Vegas has raised concerns in the past about the health risks to people in the region. Sometimes the mushroom clouds could be seen from the city, especially on clear mornings.
Since ending nuclear testing in 1992, the Nevada National Security Site has mainly been a place for research, training, and non-explosive testing. Experts believe it would take at least two years before the necessary infrastructure is ready to resume testing.
