Radioactive waste bill in balance

Another end-of-the-session fight is shaping up over radioactive waste, with activists pressuring the governor to veto a bill even though it passed with veto-proof majorities in both houses.

For the second year running, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. faces a decision — which must be made today — about whether to veto a bill that would strip him of some control concerning EnergySolutions, the state's only radioactive waste disposal facility.

Currently, both the Legislature and the governor must approve before substantial changes are made at the EnergySolutions disposal site, located on a square mile of its property in Tooele County.

Last year's controversy focused on SB70, which would have allowed the Legislature to overturn a decision by the governor over radioactive waste. Huntsman vetoed the bill and lawmakers failed to override.

This session, the fight is over SB155, which would take the Legislature and governor out of disposal decisions by EnergySolutions on its own property. Supporters of SB155 say it restores a provision that was mistakenly changed. They point out that the normal review process is still required, with approval by state regulators needed for changes.

Opponents say it changes the rules on an important issue and opens the door for more, and hotter, radioactive waste being dumped in the state.

Lisa Roskelley, the governor's spokeswoman, said Huntsman has until midnight tonight to veto SB155, which was sent to the governor on Feb. 15, or let it become law.

"If there were a veto, then the Legislature would have to act by the end of the legislative session, which is Wednesday by midnight," she said. To override a veto, the bill's supporters would have to muster a two-thirds majority in both houses.

SB155 passed earlier in the session with veto-proof majorities — 22-5 in the Senate, 55-10 in the House — but lawmakers can always change their votes the second time around.

Legislative leaders, however, say that's unlikely on this bill.

"I do believe there would be an appetite to support an override," said Majority Leader Rep. David Clark, R-Santa Clara.

SB155 is not an issue that keeps him up nights with concern. "We already have good checks and balances in place."