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Utah House approves resolution backing nuclear power after debate over costs and waste
Summary
After extended floor debate and failed amendment attempts on water and waste disposal language, the Utah House passed first substitute SJR 16, a joint resolution supporting nuclear power, by a 56–17 vote. Sponsors and opponents sparred over cost estimates, reprocessing feasibility and the lack of a permanent disposal site.
The Utah House on March 5 approved first substitute SJR 16, a resolution expressing support for nuclear power, after more than an hour of debate on costs, reprocessing technology and nuclear waste disposal. Representative Watkins, the House sponsor, framed the resolution as a step toward energy independence and economic growth and urged colleagues to consider nuclear as a source of low-cost, reliable baseload electricity.
Supporters argued nuclear energy offers a dependable baseload to complement intermittent renewables. "We must encourage all energy resources, including nuclear power, and that's what first substitute SJR-sixteen does," Representative Watkins said during her remarks.…
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