It's difficult to calculate the true risk posed by the planned "Divine Strake" explosion at the Nevada Test Site.

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.