When it comes to protecting the public and safeguarding the sovereignty of states, the Utah Legislature is generally a model of consistency.

From taxing vice to restricting the sale of alcohol to denying civil rights to gays under the guise of defending traditional marriage, lawmakers are unwavering in their attempts to shield us from what they discern to be harmful. And, as evidenced by efforts to restrict abortions, expand gun rights and undermine federal control of federal lands, they're just as protective of the 10th Amendment, which cedes powers not reserved for the federal government to the states.

That's why a proposed settlement with radioactive waste disposal giant EnergySolutions -- the state would abandon its opposition to importing low-level Italian waste to Utah in exchange for a cut of the profits -- is perplexing.

By dropping their opposition to dangerous imported waste, and dropping the appeal of a court ruling that denies the right of state compacts to prohibit the disposal of radioactive waste within their boundaries, lawmakers would be abandoning their principles. It's inconsistency bordering on hypocrisy.

The proposal is being pitched by Utah Senate Majority Leader Sheldon Killpack, R-Syracuse, who thinks the state has a weak appeal and suggests cashing in while we can. It sounds like a surrender.

Utah staked out the high ground on this issue and is morally bound to defend it. The state Radiation Control Board opposes importing dangerous foreign waste. And as the host state of a disposal site, Utah's vote on the compact board against EnergySolutions' request helped lead to the board's rejection that spawned the litigation.

The state should retain its standing in the lawsuit and fight to uphold the compact system, which gives the states the right to restrict radioactive waste entering their region.

But the final solution should come from Washington, where, for the past 18 months, Congress has been sitting on legislation that would wisely ban radioactive waste imports, and reserve our nation's dwindling disposal space for domestic waste.

The Radioactive Import Deterrence Act, co-sponsored by Utah Reps. Jim Matheson and Jason Chaffetz, is not controversial. Any federal legislator, no matter what state or district he or she represents, should be able to agree that the United States should not become the dumping ground for the world's radioactive garbage.

It's time to pass the RID act, and put this debate to bed.