Nuclear vs. Coal
Here's the irony, Utah. If you want nuclear power, you might just have to sacrifice your beloved coal. And we know how you—and Donald Trump—love coal. So don't get too giddy over the recent court thumbs-up for the Green River nuclear plant. The Utah Court of Appeals ruled that it's OK to divert 53,600 acre-feet of the river's precious water for the planned Blue Castle nuclear project, the daily newspapers reported. But hey, that doesn't mean the plant is feasible. It has a long way to go to attract investment. A Yale University report notes that the economic viability of existing plants is worsening because of cheap natural gas and more wind energy production. Meanwhile, the only way to help nuclear might be through a carbon tax or carbon trading. So which is it, Utah? And where's the push for alternative energy?
No Home for Homeless Shelters
Salt Lake City Council Chairman James Rogers knows the cruel truth: No neighborhood is going to welcome a homeless shelter. The city's Homeless Services Site Evaluation Commission has recommended that shelters—one for single men and one for single women—house up to 250 residents. The Deseret News talked to council members who spoke to the obvious NIMBY factor. The Salt Lake Tribune reminded the public of the dust-up over citing the Inn Between, a homeless hospice. And if you're scared of dying people, well, how will you feel about healthy homeless folks? The plan remains an excellent one—to segregate populations and reduce the numbers of homeless in one location. Some sites would require a zoning change, but however it's done, the council is feeling heartburn from the inevitable resident protests. All this while the nation is being fed fear and loathing, too.
Boy Scout Troubles
The Boy Scouts of America. Enough said. Well, maybe not enough. The LDS Church did some real soul-searching after the national BSA decided to welcome gay kids into the fold. There were threats that Mormons—the Boy Scouts' biggest supporters—would leave the fold. As it turns out, all's well. Both daily papers ran an Associated Press story about how the BSA is stronger now than ever. The Salt Lake Tribune ran an inside story on Sunday, with some local contribution. It talked about an LGBT Scout leader who has returned now that the rules have changed. And the church seems OK with gay adults as long as they don't act on their "same-sex attraction." Interestingly, the Deseret News ran the AP story on its front page—on Pioneer Day.
About The Author
Katharine Biele
A City Weekly contributor since 1992, Katharine Biele is the informed voice behind our Hits & Misses column. When not writing, you can catch her working to empower voters and defend democracy alongside the League of Women Voters.
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