Healthy Environment Alliance Of Utah

Target demographics: public health and the evironment

Geographic areas served: Utah

Programs: Nuclear waste. Continued ongoing efforts to watchdog energy solutions and their disposal facility in the west desert--the nations largest low-level radioactive waste dump. Key 2011 campaigns include fighting to block proposal to dispose of blended nuclear power plant waste, via meeting with key decision-makers, participation in regulatory hearings, rallies and other opportunities for our thousands of supporters to demonstrate opposition to this dangerous new material. Also continued opposition to disposal of depleted uranium, via involvement in state and federal regulatory processes.

nuclear weapons heal worked to educate and build support among the general public and state leaders in support of the comprehensive test ban treaty, which would place a global ban on nuclear weapons testing. Working with supporters, and state and community leaders, heal generated multiple articles, editorials, op-eds, and letters to the editor in support of the test ban treaty. Heal invited to salt lake city noted nuclear weapons expert, author and yale professor jonathan schell, for a large community event with over 200 attendees. Assisting local downwinders with events marking the first national day of remembrance for victims of nuclear weapons testing, heal assisted with media, political relations, and organizing events throughout the state of utah.

energy policy following the publication of our landmark eutah renewable energy study in 2010, we turned our attention to studying state-level policies to increase renewable energy production, including community choice aggregation, a kind green energy buying club. Raised concerns related to a state of utah report that recommended the development of nuclear power, through multiple television and newspaper interviews. Held an event attended by an estimated 250 people with an expert speaker, stanford university professor mark jacobson, on how renewable energy can power the world. Held two community events attended by an estimated 20 supporters each on how energy decisions are made in utah, and the deleterious health effects of coal power plant air pollution. Successfully engaged 5 supporters to make comments during a utah public service commission proceeding on coal plant investments. Collected hundreds of postcards requesting that state leaders focus more on renewable energy development and less on nuclear development.