Voters should decide on nuclear energy
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Editor,
Montanans deserve to have a say in our energy future. HB 273 would overturn I-80 and eliminate the public’s right to vote on a new nuclear facility in the state.
Currently, we enjoy the right to have a say because of a voter-passed initiative that has stood since 1978 and was passed by 65 percent of the voters. The initiative I-80 does not ban nuclear energy in Montana; rather, it sets stringent safety and liability requirements. And, more importantly, it gives us, the voters of Montana, the right to decide.
It is interesting how Republicans want our input when it suits their position, but in cases like this, they are happy to rule against what we believed was a wise decision.
There are real issues with small modular nuclear reactors and the radioactive waste they produce – like we are seeing in Japan with the waste from the Fukushima-Daiichi power plant. We should support the Senate SJ 3 which would allow an interim committee to study this issue, and then bring this back to the legislature, and the people of Montana, when we have more evidence. That sure seems like a prudent way to treat the voters of Montana, by honoring our past vote, and providing enough evidence for further action.
Just like in 1978, I believe the voters are smart enough and should continue to have the right to vote on whether or not to allow nuclear energy in our great state.
Lisa Pavlock
St. Ignatius
