Citizens Call for Veto of EnergySolutions Bill

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Two dozen citizens visited Governor Huntsman's office today (yesterday) urging him to veto a measure they fear paves the way for EnergySolutions to bring more radioactive waste to Utah.

"With the passage of this bill our lawmakers sent a clear message that they don't care how much nuclear waste EnergySolutions piles at its existing facility," says Vanessa Pierce, director of HEAL-Utah. "Jon Huntsman can save the day by vetoing this bill."

Both the House and Senate passed the measure this week with veto-proof majorities and a spokesman for the Governor says he is still reviewing it. Lawmakers say the change restores their original intent to let EnergySolutions do business within its existing permit without approval from the Legislature and Governor. Pierce notes that a recent Dan Jones poll showed 78-percent of Utahns opposed the bill:

"The passage of this bill shows how incredibly out of touch Utah's lawmakers are," says Pierce. "Clearly the company's army of well-paid lobbying efforts, their campaign contributions and PR efforts are paying off."

If Huntsman signs the bill, EnergySolutions will still need to approve its actions through state environmental regulators and public hearings. The Legislature and Governor will only be called on for approval if the company wants to expand its site or bring higher-level waste to Utah.

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