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Senate passes resolution opposing "Divine Strake" Nevada underground test, citing health worries and limited committee process
Summary
The Senate passed a concurrent resolution urging opposition to the proposed "Divine Strake" underground test in Nevada, with senators citing long-term health concerns from past testing and objecting to the lack of committee hearings before the floor suspension. The resolution passed under suspension of rules and will be transmitted to the House.
The Utah Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, a resolution opposing the proposed "Divine Strake" subterranean test in the Nevada desert and urging that public concerns be considered before tests proceed.
Sponsor Senator Davis told the Senate the measure was "of utmost concern to the state of Utah" and notable to southern Utah communities. Senators on both sides recounted past experiences with regional testing and health consequences. Senator Jenkins questioned federal assurances that the test would not produce an airborne plume; sponsor Davis said the public comment period is open and that the state should record its concerns in the federal record.
Several senators objected to the process used to bring the resolution to the floor without a traditional committee hearing. Senator Stevenson said the public deserved a committee-based deliberation and cautioned that suspending rules should be reserved for exceptional circumstances. Senator Stoll and others noted the governor hosted a public hearing attended by several hundred citizens and county commissions had already expressed opposition.
Senator Davis argued the resolution's purpose was to place Utah on record and to ensure the governor and federal actors are urged to consider potential economic, social and environmental consequences. After debate and recorded explanations of votes, the Senate passed SCR5 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 26 yes and 3 no; it will be returned to the House for its further action.
The floor record shows senators cited historic health impacts among downwind communities and urged a careful federal review and public participation in any agreement.
