In our short history, HEAL Utah has seen a number of key victories that have helped protect public health from nuclear weapons testing. These victories did not happen because we have so many resources nor because of our political connections. They happened because people all over this state demanded change. They demanded accountability from their decision makers and the need to remember our past in order to protect our future. The lessons we have learned are important and drive all of us to keep working toward a cleaner and healthier Utah where Utahns are no longer seen as dispensable in the eyes of the federal government.

• Divine Strake
• RNEP/Mini Nukes

Divine Strake: A test of wills

In March of 2006, James Tegnelia, director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, gloated to a Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter that Divine Strake would create a mushroom cloud over Las Vegas for the first time since the 1950s. His proud statement set off a maelstrom of anger. The tens of thousands of Utahns, Nevadans, Idahoans and many others who have suffered greatly from the severe health effects of weapons testing didn't think that fact was something to be proud of. They remembered the days when the federal government lied to Utahns and said the white "snow" that came from the sky after tests was safe. They remembered the feeling of disgust to learn that declassified documents referred to Utahns as a "low-use segment of the population."

Utahns did not let this insulting comment go by easily. From Washington to Summit Counties people began to express their opposition for the planned tests. Petitions were signed, letters to the editor were submitted, and phone calls were placed to our federal representatives. The movement began and would not stop until Divine Strake met its end.

The federal government undoubtedly felt the pressure. They postponed the test after a Nevada lawsuit by several Native American tribes. As the pressure mounted from our congressional delegation, Governor's office, and tens of thousands of Utahns, the DTRA was forced to issue a revised environmental assessment along with opening up a public comment period. The revised assessment fully admitted that Divine Strake would like cause radiation exposure to those down wind but, of course, they assured us once again that it was a safe level.

They added insult to injury when their "comment" period actually did not allow people to comment and was nothing more than a dog and pony show. Our esteemed Governor stepped in and held public hearings of his own. Hundreds showed up in St. George and Salt Lake City to express their total opposition to the test and their legitimate fear that it posed a major health risk to Utahns. All in all, 10,000 people submitted official public comments. The movement was palpable.

A few weeks later it ended in a glorious victory. The DTRA announced on February 22, 2007 that Divine Strake was canceled. Not moved, postponed- canceled! Joy was felt across the state as people witnessed a perfect example of how effective we can be when we fight for what is right.

Throughout the fight, HEAL was at the forefront. Our staff continued to get media attention and we continuously urged our members to make their voices heard. We helped organize protests, petition drives, and build coalitions because we believe that the best way to affect change is through coordinated grassroots efforts that ensure the public has a voice in environmental policy.

For more on Divine Strake, click here

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RNEP and Mini-Nukes