"I believe he now clearly understands the unique sensitivities that the people of Utah have regarding this subject," Hatch said.

Dugway Proving Ground in western Utah had been on a short list for the experiment in the past but was eliminated because it did not meet the right geological requirements. Agency spokeswoman Irene Smith did not know if it would be reconsidered.

Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, said the fact the government still has no data showing the possible health risks associated with the test coupled with its desire to get more information "is tacit acknowledgement that uncertainty remains" and he remains skeptical of any weapons test deemed "safe" by the government.

Vanessa Pierce, program director at the Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah, said it is integral that the public is included to ensure that the experiment be done with the public's health and safety in mind. She said this did not happen decades ago and now people are living — and dying — with the consequences.

"I think that the prior delays were 'PRpr' tactics meant to take the wind out of the public's sails in fighting against the project," Pierce said.

But now this postponement shows that the government wants to make sure all the details are in place and it will comply with environmental laws before conducting the experiment, Pierce said.

J Truman, a Malad, Idaho, man who grew up in southern Utah and directs the fallout victim advocacy group Downwinders, said, "I think this shows the power Utah Downwinders have achieved to where they can say, 'No,' and their politicians have to listen and act!"

"No more days of being helpless guinea pigs in a deadly experiment," Truman said.

Beyond the potential health effects associated with the blast, Pierce said the other main concern is the test's potential step toward developing new nuclear weapons, including mini-nukes.

Pierce said the government has not be able to explain what else the test can be used for if not to build new weapons.

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Contributing: Joe Bauman

E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com