From the Office of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson
MATHESON NEWS
Second Congressional District
For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 455-5593 (cell)
www.house.gov/matheson
February 22, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Matheson: Cancellation of Divine Strake a Victory
Washington D.C.-Congressman Jim Matheson said that with today's announcement from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency that the detonation of a 700-ton explosives pile is cancelled, his efforts opposing it have been vindicated.
"I have stood in the way of this test from day one. From the time last spring when I first learned about the so-called "Divine Strake" experiment, I have opposed it based on both its purpose and its potential ill affects. The prospect of even a non-nuclear 'mushroom cloud' over the Nevada Test Site brings back bitter memories of how the government lied when it said that there was no danger," said Matheson.
Divine Strake was to be the detonation of 700 tons of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil. The government's draft Environmental Assessment predicted radiation-contaminated debris would be hurled thousands of feet into air. It acknowledges the likelihood that radioactive dust particles will be carried beyond the boundaries of the test site. DTRA also confirmed that the purpose of the blast is to simulate the ground shock effects of both conventional and nuclear weaponry.
Over the past ten and a half months, Matheson has communicated -through letters and meetings-to DTRA and the Department of Energy (DOE) that questionable science and dubious intent bolstered his concerns.
"If this announcement truly signals the end of Divine Strake, my hope is that DTRA would instead spend time and money on developing a conventional weapon that would actually be useful to our military in destroying deeply buried terrorist targets," said Matheson.
Chronology of Matheson Efforts on Divine Strake
March 9, 2005 Matheson introduces HR 1194 - "Safety for Americans from Nuclear Weapons Testing Act." Legislation prohibits the U.S. from resuming any nuclear weapons testing unless authorized by Congress; requires a detailed environmental impact statement prior to any test; requires advance public notice of each test, and a public meeting afterwards to discuss test results.
April 7, 2006 Matheson letter to DTRA raising questions and citing concerns regarding budget documents referencing "Divine Strake", scheduled for 6-2-06
April 27, 2006 Matheson news release: Matheson says Test Site Tour Confirms His Concerns
May 2006 Matheson meets with DTRA head James Tegnalia, communicates his concerns in person
May 8, 2006 Matheson news release: Matheson says Utah Town Meeting will Precede Nevada Blast
May 26, 2006 NNSA withdraws Finding of No Significant Impact
Matheson news release: Matheson: Decision to Delay Bomb Test is Right Move; More Health Data Needed
Aug. 2, 2006 Matheson News release: Matheson applauds Further Postponement of Divine Strake; Still awaits Answers to Health and Safety Questions
Nov. 16, 2006 Matheson Again meets personally with DTRA director James Tegnalia; raises concerns about Divine Strake being a precursor to a return to nuclear testing
Nov. 20, 2006 Matheson letter to DTRA; objecting to Divine Strake going ahead
Matheson news release: Matheson: Divine Strake Test Unwelcome; purpose, health risks troublesome
Jan. 5, 2007 Matheson letter to DTRA; repeating concerns and raising additional questions about agency proceeding to re-schedule Divine Strake.
Jan. 5, 2007 Matheson news release: Divine Strake Meetings Should include Public Comment; Open House Format Lacks Input Component
Jan. 11, 2007 Matheson letter to DTRA, requesting additional public meetings with more inclusive format
Jan. 18, 2007 Matheson submits Op Ed to The Spectrum, objecting to Divine Strake
Feb. 6, 2007 Matheson submits comments on Divine Strake draft Environmental Assessment; raises questions about the adequacy of environmental data and methodology.
Feb. 8, 2007 Matheson Presses DOE Secretary Bodman regarding Dept. of Energy budget for Divine Strake during Energy & Commerce Committee hearing on DOE's FY08 budget
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Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 East Morris Ave. #235
South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 (phone)
(801) 455-5593 (cell)
(801) 486-1417 (fax)