Congressman Calls for More Data Before June 2nd Bomb Test
None by KCPW
"Divine Strake" Could Send Radiation Downwind to Utah
(KCPW News) Should Southern Utah residents stay indoors and worry about radiation on June 2 -- the day federal officials plan to detonate 700 tons of explosives at the nuclear test site in Nevada? Congressman Jim Matheson says without more information, it's hard to know if Utahns will be in danger of downwind contamination. He's requested detailed analysis of the surface soil at the test site to determine if any radioactive material will be blown into the air during the blast. Without that information, Matheson says it's hard to know how dangerous the test will be.In a meeting with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency last week, the congressman also requested the government monitor the air for radiation in a tunnel under the detonation -- and he wants the information made public. The test blast is scheduled for June 2nd. Officials say it has dual purpose - to measure shock value from a conventional weapon, but also collect data that would reflect a nuclear weapon. If the government provides the data he's requested, Matheson says he'll feel more comfortable with the test, but he'll never be comfortable with quote "where the test is going, which is to develop new nuclear weapons."
In addition to Matheson, Governor Jon Huntsman, Junior and Senators Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett have all asked for better proof that the test known as "Divine Strake" won't hurt their state.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW
1. cathy clute said:
Stop this madness!!
2. antony owen said:
Tests in Christmas Island and the UK testing in Australia resulted in birth defects and contamination. The effects were only known decades later and countless innocents have been killed slowly so how the hell do we know what we're messing around with.
Is Utah the state of guinea pigs?
This American administration is the scourge of the world. I think Muppets would do a better job of running the USA.
How much more harm can Bush do to the world? Iran is in crisis and refusing to talk because America will not rule out the threat of tactical nuclear weapons if they dont stop their uranium enrichment, on top of that Mr Bush cannot even be bothered to turn up at the kyoto treaty?
We live in an age where if you speak out against America you are seen as a freakin terrorist, well the world greatest terror environmentally is America and George bush should not allow this test as it will heighten an already tense political climate in the middle east.
I am ashamed to be a citizen of the UK who continue to support a government who is hypocritical and warmongering.
Is it not time for peace?