Time is running out for Idahoans to make comments on recommendations concerning nuclear energy in the Gem State. The Leadership in Nuclear Energy (LINE) Commission formed by Gov. Butch Otter will close its public comment period Friday.

    Gov. Otter established the LINE Commission last February to make recommendations to the governor on policies and actions the state can take to “support and enhance the long-term viability and mission of the Idaho National Laboratory and the broader nuclear industry in the state.”

    The commission is planning to issue its final report and recommendations Jan. 31.

    It is still taking comment on seven key questions raised in a Dec. 3 progress report. They are:

     What is the strategic role the INL and Idaho’s nuclear industry can play in the country’s energy future?

     In light of reduced federal spending, what impacts might affect INL and what role can Idaho play to protect INL research and cleanup funding?

     What broad environmental risks are posed by nuclear technologies and what mitigating steps are reasonable to protect public health and the environment regarding current and future applications of nuclear technology in Idaho?

     Where is nuclear technology going and what role and/or opportunities exist for INL and Idaho companies in those technology developments?

     Given the Blue Ribbon Commission’s focus on consent-based siting and the suspension of the Yucca Mountain repository, in what way can Idaho’s 1995 Settlement Agreement protect the state’s interests to support and enhance research and development at INL and complete the cleanup mission?

     How can Idaho’s universities influence, support and participate in the future of nuclear energy, nuclear workforce development, and advancements in nuclear technologies?

     Following the impacts of the Fukushima tsunami and the recent market impact of expanded natural gas supplies, what future role will nuclear energy play in the nation’s energy policies and what can Idaho do to prepare for that future?

    Comments can be submitted to the Commission via the LINE Commission website at www.line.idaho.gov, or through the U.S. mail at: LINE Commission c/o Idaho Department of Commerce, 700 W State Street, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0093

    The Snake River Alliance watchdog group has been critical of the process used by subcommittees of the LINE Commission to come up with preliminary recommendations involving nuclear issues in the state.

    “The Alliance repeated concerns to the commission that the process leading up to the report and now its final preparation and public comment process has not been as transparent as the public is entitled to expect given the gravity of the subject,” a news release on the Snake River Alliance website states.

    Funding for proposals being considered by the LINE Commission and the threat of making Idaho a permanent repository for nuclear waste are among the concerns voiced by the Alliance.

    “The report contains numerous recommendations to create new state or state-federal entities such as advisory groups, councils, and research centers and proposes sweeping new research initiatives and “public-private partnerships,” yet does not indicate how any will be funded,” the Snake River Alliance said, adding this comment about waste. “The state must remain vigilant to ensure it is never considered as a site, permanent or temporary.”

    LINE Commission members from eastern Idaho include Idaho Falls Mayor Jared Fuhriman, Idaho State University president Arthur Vailas and Shoshone-Bannock Business Council chairman Nathan Small.