Undoubtedly, employees at Envirocare are intensely committed to the safe and secure disposal of radioactive waste. But Semnani and Envirocare are notorious for bullying opponents with lawsuits. I was threatened with legal action from Envirocare for questioning its cleanup fund, and the company funded a lawsuit against me and others for our involvement with the initiative (it was quickly dismissed). Even more disconcerting is how some government officials, community leaders and the media (including individuals affiliated with this newspaper) defended Envirocare, never demanding better conduct.

Early in my legislative career, I expended much effort trying to stop the massive construction projects initiated by Steve Creamer. However, I always found Creamer to be straightforward and honest. As the new CEO of Envirocare, he immediately acknowledged the company's troubled past and committed to a better corporate environment. Most importantly, Creamer and the other new owners of Envirocare have pledged against the disposal of higher levels of radioactive waste in the state. With this "liberation," Utahns can anticipate a healthy public policy toward radioactive waste disposal within our borders.

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Republican LaVarr Webb was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. He now is a political consultant and lobbyist. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. A former candidate for Salt Lake mayor, Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.