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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A new bill would allow the Legislature to trump any decision the governor makes to halt expansion of Envirocare.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Howard Stephenson, president of the business-backed Utah Taxpayers Association, would allow legislators to override a gubernatorial veto of an Envirocare expansion by a two-thirds vote.
Envirocare wants to double the size of a low-level radiation and hazardous waste site about 80 miles west of Salt Lake City. Under current law, it needs approval of both the governor and the Legislature.
In November, Gov. Jon Huntsman said he would oppose the company's request.
Tim Barney, Envirocare's senior vice president, said his company has not decided whether to push forward with its expansion plans, given the governor's opposition.
"We are not lobbying for (Stephenson's) bill," said Barney. "We're neutral on it. We certainly didn't ask him to run it."
Huntsman opposes the measure.
"The governor needs a strong hand when it comes to looking out for the safety of all Utahns," said spokesman Mike Mower.
Stephenson, R-Draper, the current law gives the executive branch "super authority," and his bill would "address an imbalance in political power."
Jason Groenewold, executive director of the advocacy group Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah, said lawmakers would be taking a dramatic and dangerous step in passing the bill.
"This is a decision that Utah will live with not just for centuries, but for thousands of years to come," he said.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
