Ratepayers would help Utah go nuclear

SB199 » Consumer advocates fret bill would hurt seniors, others by shifting risks from nuclear plant proponents.

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"Consumers have a strong interest in this issue," she said. "And I hope to be at the table when this is discussed."

Matt Pacenza, policy director of HEAL Utah, called it "wildly misleading" for Tilton to suggest that the bill echoes the renewables law, which applies to projects up to 300 megawatts — a dramatic contrast to the 3,000 megawatt Blue Castle plant. He also noted SB199 applies to projects that have secured water rights, as Blue Castle has, and that obtain federal permits.

"This bill offers a blank check to whoever would want to build nuclear power in Utah, regardless of how much it might cost," he said.

"We’re pretty confident this State Legislature, which has been very clear it doesn’t think government should be in the business of picking winners and losers, will see this bill for what it is — a cynical bid to exempt the Green River reactor project from the state’s strong laws designed to protect ratepayers."

fahys@sltrib.com

Twitter: @judyfutah

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