Congressman Matheson urges Utah leaders to resist new nuclear testing and hotter radioactive waste

U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson addressed the Utah Senate in Committee of the Whole on Feb. 23, urging state lawmakers to oppose renewed nuclear weapons testing and the importation of higher‑level radioactive waste into Utah.

“I am introducing legislation this week in the United States Congress to hold the federal government accountable and to protect the health and safety of Utahns from nuclear testing,” Matheson said. He warned that renewed testing or transportation of higher‑level waste would risk “the health, safety, and well‑being of Utahns, including generations yet unborn.”

Matheson told senators he spent a year traveling around Utah and that national-security concerns must be balanced with public‑health impacts. He praised the Utah House for passing Representative Steve Urquhart’s bill addressing radioactive waste and urged the Senate to act in kind.

In a floor Q&A, Matheson addressed federal deficits, saying deficits “do matter” and warning that rising interest payments crowd out productive investment. On immigration, he called for reforms and a viable guest‑worker program to reduce incentives for illegal entry. On No Child Left Behind, Matheson said the Department of Education had over‑interpreted congressional intent and signaled plans to introduce legislation to increase flexibility on highly qualified teacher rules.

The congressman also said members of Congress should hold hearings and consider stripping or revising provisions of the Patriot Act that raise civil‑liberties concerns.

What’s next: Matheson said he will pursue federal measures and urged Utah legislators to coordinate with federal advocacy; the Senate thanked him and returned to its calendar business.