Salt Lake County opposes importing N-waste
A resolution backing a federal effort to block the importation of radioactive waste from foreign countries found unanimous support from the Salt Lake County Council and attracted the attention of two Utah congressmen.
Reps. Jason Chaffetz, a Republican, and Jim Matheson, a Democrat, noted their appreciation of Councilwoman Jani Iwamoto's resolution to support a U.S. House bill, and companion Senate bill, aimed at stopping low-level radioactive waste from outside the U.S. being imported and stored in domestic repositories.
Chaffetz, who phoned into the council meeting, and Matheson, who sent a representative, are supporting the bill scheduled to go before a U.S. House committee Thursday. Iwamoto told the council she was concerned not only with Utah becoming the world's nuclear waste dumping ground, but also about the numerous risks that come with transporting the potentially harmful material.
"Our country would be saddled with waste that we didn't make that would likely travel along corridors running through Salt Lake County," she said. "These shipments will create an additional responsibility in terms of emergency response and could create additional financial burdens in the event of a cleanup."
Mayor Peter Corroon joined in the council's unanimous support of the resolution and voiced his opposition to the country accepting any form of hazardous material.
"I don't support our state or nation taking waste from other nations, regardless of what kind of waste it is," he said.
The federal legislation would curtail Utah's Energy?Solutions' pursuit of permission to import some 20,000 tons of Italian low-level radioactive waste, some of which would find a permanent home after processing in the company's Clive facility.
EnergySolutions officials critiqued some of the language in the resolution in testimony before the council, but after the meeting they said they were "neutral" on the council's effort and were not lobbying against the resolution.
Iwamoto said Wednesday that some of the language may be modified and was being reviewed by the council's legal staff.
Though approved in a voice vote Tuesday, the resolution will likely appear on next week's council consent calendar for a final vote.
e-mail: araymond@desnews.com
Recent comments
We should be supporting a private business!! They will bring jobs and...
Shame! | Nov. 5, 2009 at 10:44 a.m.
- Harassment affecting Arab women 10:24 a.m.
- Israel warns Britain on war crimes 10:22 a.m.
- Nominees for Golden Globe Awards 10:21 a.m.
- 'Up in the Air' leads Golden Globes 10:17 a.m.
- Obama touting home energy program 10:16 a.m.
- British Airways seeks court order 10:15 a.m.
- Holmgren visits Browns for 2nd day 10:04 a.m.
- Kids swine flu vaccine recalled 10:03 a.m.
- Volcano forces mass evacuation 10:02 a.m.
- Ex-Marine indicted in slayings 9:21 a.m.
- Sources: Josh Powell hires attorney
- Wet spot found in Powell's home
- Cougar seniors see a new Bronco
- Storms dumped lots of snow in Utah
- Y. opponent nearly smelled roses
- Cougs brace for coaching changes
- Pace happy not to be noticed
- High school football: All-region teams
- MWC looks better in basketball
- Jazz will have full lineup tonight
- LDS to emphasize helping needy
127 - Unga might enter NFL draft
107 - BYU to wear royal blue uniforms
104 - TV mom gives birth to 19th child
99 - Disappearance called 'suspicious'
97 - Sources: Josh Powell hires attorney
90 - Stay the course with our president
86 - Choir, guests unwrap musical magic
84 - Jazz stunned by Timberwolves
83 - Barkley says Boozer is big problem
81
David Rankin, one of Utah's youngest and ablest astrophotographers has...
There was a time when free shipping was rare. This holiday season, you...
First of all, to "20/20," how can you read newspapers and not understand...
Thanks for the 'stay warm' wish. There is nothing more enjoyable than...
To LDS in Tn: I've read your blogs before. I seriously question if you are...
that`s right ,that`s my Korver,his first game back,I`ll take my lumps,lets...
That is the dumbest thing anyone has ever said. The reason 5A teams are more...
Instead of: "Life Off Game On" 1. "As good as the best OR as bad as...
To "Re: ajvt and RedShirt | 8:57 a.m." Satan's plan was to save everybody....
Love Eureka, sad to see its current state. This will be great for the Tinic...
I'm afraid Max is gonna get waxed... hate to say it, but i don't have much...
No company will do anything without benefit to them selves the prohibits it....
Umm, they will need some blessing with that group. WHewwwww!


