A similar stupidity emerged over containment of nuclear waste. The "greenies" influenced the content of materials used to make the "casks". The consequence was an organic material that rapidly failed in storage. When politicians have more influence than competent engineers, bad things happen.
Yup. My nephew became a nuclear power plant operator on an attack sub. His entire tour of sea duty was spent in dry dock. He said the sub was in dry dock to have the asbestos removed and have this new stuff installed.
He said the new stuff was not nearly as good as the original asbestos. He said it was garbage.
Yes, politics overriding engineering is a very bad thing. When NASA made a point to mention Black Astronaut and Woman astronaut, I knew they weren't serious about the mission.