"In the interest of a united community, we felt we should speak up about it," Morrison said. "We didn't see this as an issue of partisanship. We think nine out of 10 Utahns, regardless of what political party they belong to, don't want that stuff in this state."

Until this past Tuesday, Envirocare of Utah had sought a federal permit to bring in hotter nuclear waste than its current license allows. Its decision this week to shelve the plan ended weeks of debate among the company, residents and politicians.

Perhaps more germane than appearing partisan, is the perception among some observers that due to Elders Ballard's and Morrison's presence, the alliance speaks for the LDS Church.

Morrison said that wasn't the case with the nuclear waste statement and won't be in the future. The group is overwhelmingly non-LDS and has "too many strong voices in there."

"There's no masquerading for the church here," Morrison said, adding the LDS Church has no official position on the issue.

Still, Shelledy says Elder Ballard is "not going to take a strong stand 180 degrees from the First Presidency."

Ted Wilson, former director of the U.'s Hinckley Institute of Politics, said with an LDS apostle on board, "it may just slightly drag the church into issues it normally would not have a stand on."

Regardless of how the Alliance for Unity comes across to the public, its heavy-hitters give it EF Hutton power: When it speaks, people listen.

Wilson doesn't see the group having a lot of volume. "But when it does decide to take a stand on an issue, it will have some influence."

That is not lost on Envirocare vice president Tim Barney.

"It is a little concerning, because most of the groups that make up the alliance have a long, stellar history of not taking positions on political issues," he said.

Barney said he is disappointed the alliance didn't talk to Envirocare before issuing a statement.

"Did (the statement) play a role in our decision? It certainly was a contributing factor," Barney said.

Now that the Alliance for Unity has spoken up, it might find itself being lobbied for its stamp of approval or disapproval on other public issues. But Shelledy suspects most of what the group publicly opines will come from within, not without.

"We weren't born yesterday," Morrison said. "We'll try not to be used by any group for its partisan purposes."

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E-mail: romboy@desnews.com