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Richard Piatt ReportingA bill that would keep the Governor out of the hazardous waste approval process has some people crying foul at the Capitol. In fact, critics are also crying 'conflict of interest'.
Charging conflict of interest is sort of like declaring war at the Capitol, but that's exactly what the group 'Heal Utah' did today--accusing that Draper Senator Howard Stephenson has Envirocare's interests, not the public's, in mind with this bill.
Some carried signs to make their point at the Capitol today. These are people who have been consistently anti-hazardous waste for years. They've been very sensitive and opposed to Envirocare's possible expansion plans.
They say the bill to take out the Governor's input is out of balance and too pro-landfill. They also allege the reason the bill is proposed is because Senator Stephenson has a business relationship with Envirocare.
Jim McConkie, Utah Trial Lawyers for the Environment: "We think the fact that Envirocare is giving money to the organization Howard Stephenson is president of, creates a conflict of interest."
Sen. Howard Stephenson, (R) Draper: "The Utah Taxpayers Association has no position on this bill. It is not interested in the bill, and my individual decision as a legislator is not affected by my employer."
In fact, Senator Stephenson says he's offended by the conflict of interest charges.
Meantime, from a policy standpoint, the Governor's office today said it fiercely opposes the bill. A spokesperson says the Governor should certainly be included in the process of approving hazardous waste.
The Bill was just introduced yesterday, so it's not clear what kind of a chance it has, but this news conference comes at a time when lots of people are calling for ethics reform, including declaring conflicts of interest.
