Feds tone deaf on 'Strake'
Government experts say the health risks are minimal. But others say the 700-ton explosion would thrust Neptunium-237 a product of previous nuclear tests, into the atmosphere. It has a half-life of more than 2 million years.
Even if the assurances of the federal government are true, there is an inescapable credibility problem when it comes to statements regarding the safety of explosions at the Nevada Test Site. Many of the 300 people who turned out at Wednesday night's public hearing at the State Capitol recounted their experiences with previous tests then nuclear detonations and the lingering health effects. Many feel deceived.
But the federal government would not give these people a forum. The only reason a public hearing was conducted on the issue was that Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. insisted that Utahns be able to speak their piece about these planned tests.
Some of the speakers were downwinders who survived cancers they believe were caused by exposure to radioactive particles blown downwind. Others were children and spouses of downwinders who have died from cancers and other diseases believed to be related to their exposure to radiation. All of the comments will be transcribed and sent to the federal government as part of an official statement by the Huntsman administration. Gov. Huntsman deserves thanks and praise for establishing this forum.
Even if the risk of exposure from these non-nuclear tests is miniscule, the federal government may never convince Utahns and Nevadans of that. In the past, they were duped into believing that there was nothing to fear. Most probably believed it until their friends and loved ones developed cancers and other diseases and medical science began to connect the dots between the atomic tests and the illnesses.
The overarching issue is the federal government's perception of the West. It is not a vast wasteland. It is not a waste repository. It has unique landscapes and history. Parts of that history include the early atomic tests at the Nevada Test Site and the aftermath many Utahns experience to this day. At a minimum, the federal government should respect that history and at least give Utahns a forum to express their feelings. Better yet, it could cancel the tests.
Comments
- Rumor has Boozer with Bulls 1:20 a.m.
- Jazz in back of line for free agents 1:19 a.m.
- Okur signs two-year extension 1:18 a.m.
- Marion to Mavs, Stackhouse to Griz 1:16 a.m.
- Price for redistricting plan challenged 1:04 a.m.
- Basketball campers learn service 1:02 a.m.
- Parra fills in as speedskating coach 12:57 a.m.
- Center of Excellence aims to help 12:54 a.m.
- Royals rally past Red Sox 12:49 a.m.
- Phillies' offense bails out Moyer again 12:48 a.m.
- Rumor has Boozer with Bulls
- Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
- Restaurant destroyed by fire
- Okur signs two-year extension
- A primer for the 6th Potter film
- Jazz won't meet Lopez on Europe trip
- Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
- MWC, WAC rushed into BCS
- 'The Story of R.C. Willey'
- Jazz in back of line for free agents
- Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
138 - Letters: Palin mistreated
136 - Teachers struggle with district cuts
134 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
122 - Rumor has Boozer with Bulls
82 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Moon landing: Let's hear from you
73 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
72 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70 - Letters: Time for a revolution
69
Through the years, I've always raised eyebrows whenever I tell people...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
Blazers get the unbalanced trade they seek while not signing Millsap away...
Ricky Bobby - THE JAZZ DO NOT WANT TO TAKE BACK EQUAL SALARIES. They want to...
Despite the fact that logging has all but stopped in the pacific northwest...
My understanding of what FAIR is trying to do, is to provide well thought out...
Jazz will resign Milsap. If they don't it will be ahuge mistake. First off,...
I was waiting for it to be burned on the big metal structure right by the...
Hey Ute fan... the Utes had a good season. And keep throwing that BCS bowl...
Tyrus Thomas is in the last year of his contract too so what is the point for...
CougarKeith, people don't know how to properly retire the flag, what they did...
It is just talk but since it was brought up: IF we can get Prizbilla &...



You can be the first to comment on this story.