The Secretary of the Air Force is supporting a measure that seeks to block the transportation of nuclear waste to the Skull Valley Goshute Reservation in Utah.

The Air Force says a proposed wilderness designation would not hurt a test and training range near the reservation. That helps Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), who has inserted language in the 2006 defense authorization bill to block a railroad spur to the proposed waste site.

The Skull Valley Band of Goshutes might not be affected, though. The tribe's partner, Private Fuel Storage, has an alternative transportation plan that doesn't rely on the railroad spur.

In related news, an attorney for three tribal members who claimed to be the legitimate leaders of the tribe, was ordered to pay back $11,000. Duncan Steadman said he took the money for attorney's fees.

Marlinda Moon, another defendant, wants ordered to pay back $13,825 when was sentenced in November. Sammy Blackbear was ordered to return $17,300 back in August. The third tribal member, Miranda Wash, will be ordered to pay back $8,000, The Deseret Morning News reported.

Get the Story:
Air Force secretary supports efforts to block Skull Valley waste site (The Provo Daily Herald 12/8)
Goshute group's attorney must pay bank $11,000 (The Deseret Morning News 12/8)

Relevant Links:
Skull Valley Goshute Tribe - http://www.skullvalleygoshutes.org
Private Fuel Storage - http://www.privatefuelstorage.com

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