Demos Challenge Batt N-Waste Deal

Senate Democrats announced plans Friday to push legislation challenging Gov. Phil Batt’s agreement with the federal government on nuclear waste.

Sen. Clint Stennett, D-Ketchum, said he believes the agreement isn’t binding because it wasn’t ratified by the Legislature. He introduced a resolution Friday making that legal argument, although it conflicts with an attorney general’s opinion. He also said he’s prepared to take the issue to court.

Stennett also introduced a resolution rejecting the agreement. “This agreement threatens our water, violates our rights and directly infringes upon our state sovereignty,” he said.

The third piece of legislation Stennett introduced on the topic Friday was a bill co-sponsored by all of the Senate Democrats, calling for a referendum to let Idaho voters decide whether or not they want the agreement.