Senate Bill 525-An Analysis

(The following is by Karen Maute, a noted local environmentalist and SCC affiliate)

Senate Bill 525, establishing a Virginia Uranium Mining Commission, has left the Senate and is in the House. Pittsylvania County remains the main focus of this legislation.

The bill contains phrases such as, "where uranium mining is currently proposed ", "where mining and the processing of uranium would be conducted in Virginia", and "in the areas where uranium is currently proposed ." This means us. In fact, the one definition found in the bill reads, "Where uranium mining is currently proposed" means the localities within the Southside and West Piedmont Planning District Commissions. Sounds like us, don't you agree?

This is not a statewide study. This is a study aimed at the mining and milling of uranium in Pittsylvania County.

SB 525's purpose is stated as, "to assess the risks and benefits of developing Virginia's uranium resources ", determine if ,"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", then 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".

There is no guaranty of any level of safety. However there is a provision which calls for "Use of severance taxes and other mechanisms to provide monetary allocations to localities impacted. " I thought the if the study showed risk to Pittsylvania County and those downstream that uranium mining would not be allowed. Does this mean that when we are "impacted" we get paid for the inconvenience?

If this bill must be considered, it requires much more work to make it effective and constitutional. It appears to be neither at present.


Karen B. Maute
2920 Mt. Cross Rd.
Danville, VA 24540
434-797-3460