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Utah House approves resolution urging addition of four counties to Radiation Exposure Compensation list
Summary
The Utah House adopted HJR 20 as amended, asking that four additional counties be considered for inclusion in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act list after lawmakers and commissioners said fallout patterns affected much of the state; the resolution passed unanimously on final tally and will be transmitted to the Senate.
The Utah House on the floor adopted a resolution asking federal officials to consider adding four Utah counties to the list of areas eligible for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.
Representative Peterson introduced HJR 20, saying county commissioners from four counties produced evidence suggesting their areas should be eligible under existing federal compensation rules. "These 4 counties should be just as eligible as the other counties currently listed under the REAC Compensation Act," Peterson said, urging House support.
Representative Anderson moved Amendment No. 1 to broaden the resolution's scope, arguing that nuclear fallout during testing in the 1950s and 1960s "didn't stop at the county lines" and that maps show the state "almost looks like, an ink pad" from fallout distribution. Several members spoke in favor, citing personal or constituent cancer cases and long-standing community concerns.
Representative Noelle moved Amendment No. 2 to add notification to Utah's congressional delegation and to name counties cited by local leaders — including Kane, Washington, Iron, Garfield and Paiute — in the resolution text. Sponsors described the changes as bipartisan and aimed at ensuring affected residents receive attention from federal lawmakers.
Both amendments were adopted. The House recorded a final vote of 75 yes, 0 no, sending the amended resolution to the Senate for further consideration. The resolution does not create state law; it is a formal request to Congress and federal agencies to review eligibility under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.
On the House floor several members disclosed personal conflicts of interest where applicable; one member noted a family member's illness and had that conflict noted on the record. The House made no binding changes to federal program rules; the resolution asks for consideration and federal action.
The measure will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.
