U.S. Rep. Hanson visits Utah House, urges local input on monument designations and backs Yucca Mountain

Congressman Hanson addressed the Utah House during a Committee of the Whole visit, urging closer local consultation on federal monument designations and pressing for progress on nuclear waste policy.

Hanson, who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee, said the Antiquities Act of 1906 requires the president to "use the smallest acreage available to protect that site," and argued recent monument designations in Utah exceed that standard. "I think what we should do ... is limit it to 50,000 acres," he said, adding that governors and local congressmen should receive six months' notice before a designation.

Hanson also framed Hill Air Force Base as a regional economic anchor, saying "How about $5,700,000,000?" passes through the base and noting ongoing negotiations that could bring additional missile-related work with private contractors.

On spent nuclear fuel, Hanson described the federal history that led to Yucca Mountain and the roughly $3,000,000,000 invested there so far. He urged the legislature to avoid blanket transportation bans that could imperil a centralized repository: "if you pass a law that says we can't take it through the state of Utah, now that Yucca Mountain is gonna be in trouble." He said he and colleagues are working to revive legislation sent to the president last year.

Members asked Hanson questions about the Grand Staircase and land-management law, local economic opportunities from school trust lands, and safety implications of storing spent fuel near training ranges. Hanson said he favored an incremental approach to resolving wilderness and monument disputes and reiterated support for missile defense work.

The House thanked Hanson for his remarks and returned to its regular calendar business.