Alliance opposes N-waste changes

A group of influential Utahns is opposed to changing radioactive waste disposal rules in the Beehive State.

Although a position statement issued on Monday by the Alliance for Unity does not specifically cite SB70, it's obviously aimed at the bill, which would diminish the governor's authority in determining radioactive waste decisions.

The bill, which would allow the Legislature to veto a governor's decision on the expansion or siting of a low-level nuclear waste facility, is scheduled for House debate today. Earlier, it passed the Senate on a vote of 22-6.

"The Alliance continues to strongly oppose any attempts to change the checks and balances currently in place which safeguard the health and well-being of all Utahns," the group's position statement said.

The Alliance for Unity is a group of Utah civic, religious and business leaders seeking "to foster the common good in the state," the position paper said.

Its members include Jon M. Huntsman Sr., father of Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. But he recused himself from discussion about the issue, said Elder Alexander B. Morrison, the Alliance's executive director and an emeritus general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Pamela J. Atkinson, a community activist who is part of the Huntsman administration, also recused herself, he said. Others voted in favor of the position.

Other members include Elder M. Russell Ballard of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Salt Lake Mayor Rocky Anderson. Deseret Morning News Editor and Chief Operating Officer John Hughes is also a member.

The statement notes that in November 2003 the Alliance of Unity stated its unanimous opposition to any storage in Utah of nuclear waste with higher levels of radioactivity than the low-level Class A waste.

"Moreover, the Alliance is strongly opposed to expanding current space for level A nuclear waste," the statement said.

Since the early 1990s, Utah has required both legislative and gubernatorial approval for licensing such facilities, the group noted.

"This requirement reflects concerns regarding multi-generational impact that radioactive waste may have on the health and safety of Utahns. Furthermore, public perceptions that Utah could become the nation's dumping ground for radioactive waste would chill efforts to foster economic development in the state," the position statement said.

Morrison said in a telephone interview, "We just think that the current system of checks and balances works out for the benefit of all Utahns." Disregarding this system, he said, "is a bad bargain."

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