I oppose allowing so-called "hotter radioactive waste" — Classes B and C waste — to be transported to and stored in Utah. Proposals for hazardous waste disposal sites must be assessed carefully using intensive cost/benefit and scientific analyses to ensure the safety of our own generation and future generations. And, as governor, I will advocate for the relocation of the radioactive tailings pile now located on the banks of the Colorado River near Moab. These positions are based on health and safety concerns and also on a desire to foster an image of the state that emphasizes our clean environment and natural beauty. I believe this position serves the best long-term economic development and quality-of-life interests of Utah.

Currently, Utah allows disposal of Class A radioactive waste. Classes B and C wastes pose significantly greater risks to our citizens. These so-called "low-level" wastes, commonly referred to as "hot" waste, can be thousands of times more radioactive than Class A waste. A legislative task force is studying this issue. It is highly doubtful that the potential revenue stream from taxing these wastes will adequately compensate Utah for the regulatory costs of ensuring safety, much less compensate our state for the public health risks. Beyond these costs is the damage to our state's reputation and image if we become known as the place for dumping radioactive wastes.

C. Testing

The federal government failed to protect the people of Utah from the radioactive fallout produced by the nuclear testing conducted in the 1950s and 1960s in our neighboring state of Nevada. I am far from convinced that safety provisions provided in present proposals are adequate for either temporary or permanent storage of high-level nuclear wastes. Utah must have a voice in nuclear armaments policy that may affect the West and the health of our citizens. Utah learned a sorry lesson from the health problems resulting from atomic testing half a century ago: trust alone does not protect Utah's health and safety. It was this lesson that led Utahns to force an open debate and a reconsideration and abandonment of the MX missile proposal. I am opposed to resumption of nuclear testing in Nevada. We should insist that Utah's interests and concerns are respected in the policy debate over this issue.

To view my detailed plan on the environment, entitled "We Can Do Better: A Pledge to Utah's Environmental Safety," please visit my Web site at www.mathesonforgovernor.com.

15. Explain your stand on gay marriage in Utah, will you be supporting Amendment 3 on Utah's November ballot?

Like most Utahns, I support traditional marriage as currently defined by Utah law—as between a man and a woman. I have concerns, however, about the proposed amendment.