Utah Governor Huntsman Blocks Italian Nuclear Waste

Salt Lake City - Utah Governor Jon Huntsman decided Tuesday to direct Bill Sinclair, who represents Utah on the Northwest Interstate Low-Level Waste Compact, to vote against any proposals for foreign nuclear waste to come in to Utah. The issue is on the Compact's May 8 agenda.

Skull Valley, Utah: Photo by Rylan S L (CC)

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"As I have always emphatically declared, Utah should not be the world's dumping ground," Governor Huntsman said. "Our country has limited space to store even domestic waste and it would be most appropriate to have a federal policy against the importation of foreign nuclear waste. However, as the federal government is slow to adopt such a policy, Utah will lead the way."

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has the authority to approve or disapprove the transport of foreign nuclear waste into the United States. Once allowed by the NRC, the Northwest Compact has the authority to approve or disapprove foreign nuclear waste for facilities in this region. The state impacted by the waste application has the ability to veto importation of foreign waste.

Source: Utah Governor