From the Office of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson
MATHESON NEWS
2nd DISTRICT
For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 486-1236
Cell: (801) 455-5593
March 9, 2005
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Matheson Renews Fight to Protect Utahns from Nuclear Weapons Testing
Washington, D.C.-- Congressman Jim Matheson today announced he has reintroduced legislation that impedes efforts to resume nuclear weapons testing at the Nevada Test Site.
Matheson originally introduced the "Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act" in 2004 after funds were appropriated to study development of two new types of nuclear weapons and to shorten the time needed for test site readiness. Since then, administration officials have indicated that development of new weapons or problems with the current nuclear weapons stockpile may lead to renewed testing. Without additional legislation, testing can resume at the discretion of the Secretary of Energy.
Utahns are still dealing with the legacy of illness, suffering and death as a result of the government's deceit about the dangers of past nuclear testing. Matheson notes scientific evidence that refutes the Department of Energy's claim that radioactive fallout from underground blasts is completely contained.
"Like thousands of Utah families, I am painfully aware of the federal government's failure to protect its citizens from the dangers of radioactive fallout created during atomic testing in Nevada," said Matheson. "The federal government said we were safe. The federal government knew we were at risk. I will not stand by and let the government take Utah families down that path again."
Matheson said he is very pleased that Sen. Bob Bennett has announced plans to reintroduce companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. Bipartisan efforts in the House and Senate last year resulted in much of the proposed funding for nuclear weapons development being zeroed out from the FY 2005 Department of Energy budget.
The President's fiscal year 2006 budget includes $8.5 million in both the DOE and the Department of Defense budgets to continue studying the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator, or "bunker-buster" weapon. Matheson said he doubts the military would spend half a billion dollars developing new nuclear weapons and then not test them. Matheson and other defense hawks favor research into non-nuclear precision weapons to destroy deeply-buried, hardened bunkers.
"Government studies clearly show past nuclear testing resulted in extensive radiation exposure throughout the country. To date, more than 5,100 Utahns have filed claims under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) for cancer and other illnesses from atomic fallout. More than $200 million has been paid by the Department of Justice. We need much more accountability from the federal government before we even consider putting citizens at risk again," said Matheson.
Matheson said his legislation would require the government to conduct a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review to assess health, safety and environmental impacts prior to conducting nuclear weapons testing, require Congressional authorization prior to the possible resumption of weapons testing at the Nevada Test Site, and require at least one week's public notice prior to any test. It also requires government and private monitoring of radiation levels throughout the country and creates a consortium of universities that will study the health effects of radiation exposure. Finally, it includes new provisions that ensure local citizen involvement.
Groups such as the National Atomic Veterans Association, the Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Utah Medical Association, the Ute, Navajo and Paiute Tribal Governments, the Grand County Council, and the St. George Chamber of Commerce have endorsed the legislation.
"I remember my father telling me about how people in southern Utah would watch the sky light up from the nuclear tests and how Utahns supported the program because they were strong patriots who believed in their country and trusted their government. Many untimely deaths later, we've learned to be skeptical of the government's safety claims regarding this issue," said Matheson.
Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 E. Morris Ave., #235
Salt Lake City UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 fax (801) 486-1417
(801) 455-5593 cell