House Committee Backs Tax Breaks For Idaho Uranium Plant

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Proponents of a new uranium enrichment facility won an initial victory Thursday when the House Revenue and Taxation Committee backed incentives meant to convince French nuclear services company Areva to build a $2 billion plant in eastern Idaho.

The two bills now go to the full House.

Idaho Falls Mayor Jared Fuhriman said this will help lure 250 jobs to his region, with wages averaging $70,000.

Anti-nuclear advocates counter Idaho is giving tax breaks for a potentially dangerous industry.

Idaho is competing against Ohio, Texas, New Mexico and Washington state for the plant.

Areva environmental chief Robert Poyser says he’ll make a site recommendation to the company’s board in Paris in March.

He told the committee, “If you don’t pass this legislation, it makes it very difficult to be competitive.”