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The possibility, however remote, of any resumption of nuclear testing in neighboring Nevada is worrisome. Actually, the fact Congress authorized an initial appropriation of $25 million to prepare the Nevada Test Site for possible future testing is downright frightening!
Especially, it’s frightening because of the devastating impact radioactive fallout from earlier tests has had on the health and lives of Utahns and others who lived downwind. Who knows for sure how many cancer deaths have occurred and debilitating illnesses yet linger because of innocent exposure to fallout from the 900 nuclear weapons tests conducted at the Nevada Test Site from 1951 until 1992!
But, it’s also frightening because of the nature of the new weapon that may need testing; a nuclear tipped “bunker buster” dubbed the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator. Why Uncle Sam is even developing such an extraordinary weapon must be more fully explained and openly debated!
KSL shares the concern of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson whose late father, former Governor Scott Matheson was a likely victim of earlier testing. He has introduced legislation designed to prevent future fallout disasters. KSL believes Congressman Matheson’s measure should be carefully considered. Under no circumstances, should the trusting citizens of Utah ever again be recklessly exposed to radioactive fallout from the testing of nuclear weapons in neighboring Nevada.
