Three advocacy organizations filed a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission on Aug. 19, 2026, requesting an investigation into the Utah Office of Energy Development for allegedly using false and deceptive advertisements to promote nuclear power projects within the state.
Demands for FTC Investigation
The complaint, filed by Downwinders, Inc., Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah (HEAL Utah), and Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, seeks to determine if the Utah Office of Energy Development has engaged in unfair or deceptive acts that affect commerce. The groups are asking the FTC to consider enforcement actions, such as cease-and-desist orders or required corrective disclosures, to protect Utah residents and consumers from misleading representations.
Allegations of Deceptive Ads
The advocacy groups specifically targeted a series of advertisements appearing on billboards and in newspapers. According to the complaint, the Office of Energy Development has claimed that nuclear power plants emit less radiation than eating a banana. Other advertisements allegedly suggest that nuclear energy is safer than lighting a candle and presents less risk than eating leftovers or sitting in a chair.
Criticism of Safety Claims
Critics argue these comparisons constitute a false equivalency that minimizes the actual risks associated with nuclear energy. Mary Dickson, a journalist and playwright with Downwinders, stated that the campaign is "ridiculously offensive and outright misleading" and insults the intelligence of Utah residents. She noted that communities have previously faced the consequences of the nuclear age under similar claims that "there is no danger."
Data Center and Radiation Concerns
The complaint also requests that the FTC examine omissions regarding the costs, environmental impacts, and economic benefits of nuclear power, as well as the failure to disclose material risks. Dr. Brian Moench, President of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, characterized the state's recent focus on nuclear power as a "capitulation to the AI data center industry" and an exploitation of Utah residents. Moench argued that every phase of the nuclear fuel cycle exposes the public to increased radiation and emphasized that science has shown there is no safe level of radiation exposure.
Taxpayer Funding and Waste Disposal
The advocacy groups expressed concern over the use of taxpayer funds to support what they described as a misleading education campaign. Carmen Valdez, Senior Policy Associate for HEAL Utah, said that spending public money on a campaign that fails to disclose actual state plans erodes public trust. Valdez noted that the state is currently considering bringing high-level radioactive waste into Utah for disposal, despite repeated opposition from local communities regarding such proposals.
Call for Transparency
Steve Erickson, a longtime volunteer for Downwinders, described the state's promotional efforts as "state-sponsored propaganda" intended to fuel a "nuclear power frenzy." He argued that Utahns require factual information regarding the dangers and tradeoffs of nuclear energy rather than promotional material that diminishes the reality of the technology's risks.
Regulatory Oversight Role
The FTC is responsible for regulating advertising and has the authority to prohibit unfair or deceptive practices in commerce. The formal complaint filed on Aug. 19, 2026, asks the agency to decide if remedies are necessary to protect the public from the Office of Energy Development's current promotional strategies.
