In March 2003, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission denied PFS its license to begin construction of the dump, citing a risk of accidents involving F-16 fighter jets that routinely pass over the valley en route to Hill Air Force Base.

In May 2003, PFS appealed the decision and offered to reduce the size of the site. But it was turned down due to the process in which the appeal was filed.

The proposal remains on the table.

"We need to stop the nuclear industry from targeting vulnerable communities — that's what they do," Lister said. "We don't want this impression to be left — whether it's in the press or in public policy — that these communities are just going to roll over. There is in fact solidarity behind them."

Lister said events like the Skull Valley gathering are organized to help demonstrate that there is support for people who struggle in these indigenous or vulnerable communities.

About 60 people attended the three-day event, including representatives from HEAL Utah, the Goshute and Wind River reservations and environmental groups like the Washington, D.C.-based Public Citizen, Oregon-based Peaceworks and Citizen Alert of Reno, Nev.

Saturday's was the second protest gathering in Skull Valley since 2001.

---

E-mail: terickson@desnews.com