Complete Senate Uranium Study Bill

(The following was provided by Karen Maute, an SCC affiliate)

It has come to my attention that we need to be concentrating on the Bill before the House, SB 525, so we can comment on its content. Below I have put references to location of mining activities in red with my comments/questions underlined. The fuscia colored text reflects other questionable language with my underlined comments.

I hope you will do the same. I'd like to see your comments re: the bill.

We then need to address questions and concerns to the House.

It appears to me that Southside remains the main focus of this legislation.

SENATE BILL NO. 525
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by the Senate Committee on Rules)
(Patron Prior to Substitute-Senator Wagner)
Senate Amendments in [ ] -- February 12, 2008
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Title 30 a chapter numbered 45, consisting of sections numbered 30-293 through 30-300, relating to establishing the Virginia Uranium Mining Commission.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Title 30 a chapter numbered 45, consisting of sections numbered 30-293 through 30-300 as follows:
CHAPTER 45.
VIRGINIA URANIUM MINING COMMISSION.
§ 30-293. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Where uranium mining is currently proposed" means the localities within the Southside and West Piedmont Planning District Commissions. (This apparently means us.)
§ 30-294. The Virginia Uranium Mining Commission; purpose.
The Virginia Uranium Mining Commission (the Commission) is established as an advisory commission in the legislative branch of state government. The purpose of the Commission is to assess the risks and benefits of developing Virginia's uranium resources in Virginia and to advise the Governor and General Assembly:
1. Whether uranium mining and milling in Virginia can be undertaken in a manner that will safeguard the Commonwealth's environment, natural and historic resources, agricultural lands, and the health and well-being of its citizens; and
2. On other related matters as requested by the Governor or the General Assembly.
If appropriate, following the conclusion of the independent study required under § 30-297, the Commission shall offer recommendations for legislation establishing necessary regulatory controls and safeguards under which mining and the processing of uranium resources could be permitted.
§ 30-295. Membership; terms; quorum; meetings.The Commission shall have a total membership of 17 members that shall consist of eight legislative members, six nonlegislative citizen members, and three ex officio members. Members shall be appointed as follows: three members of the Senate, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; five members of the House of Delegates, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates; six nonlegislative citizen members to be...........

Please click link below to read the rest of this article:

http://www.mediafire.com/?4uidy3zzmjf