nuclear-news

Virginia Governor on pausing action on uranium mining regulation

Uranium Moratorium,  Governors Journal Daily By GoJo Staff  January 19, 2012 (Richmond, VA) – Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell(R) is asking the state legislature to take no action this year on the regulation of uranium mining, while the issue is studied further. In the meantime, he is asking a multi-agency task force to review “scientific and legal” issues associated with uranium mining and he is asking that task force to report back with recommendations by the end of the year.

McDonnell’s decision comes after a review of a National Academy of Sciences report that looked into the prospects for uranium mining in Pittsylvania County where there is the potential for an operation at Coles Hill….

McDonnell’s request to extend the current Virginia moratorium on uranium mining, may be seen by some as at odds with a general policy held by the Republican Party nationally to move forward aggressively with the development of homegrown sources of energy. McDonnell clearly believes the unknowns associated with uranium are far greater than those involving pipelines, or drilling for natural gas, or oil.

“Public safety must be the primary factor in the ultimate determination as to whether to proceed with uranium mining,” McDonnell said in his statement. http://governorsjournal.com/2012/01/uranium-moratorium/

January 20, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general