Oct. 16--A group of local state legislators support a plan by the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission to study the feasibility of uranium mining in the state.
The plan was announced Tuesday by Delegate Terry Kilgore, chairman of the commission and a Scott County legislator.
Delegate Danny Marshall, R-Danville, had a long conversation Wednesday with Kilgore in Richmond.
"This is only a study," Marshall said. "This is not a done deal."
The group will start the studying process in the spring of 2009, Marshall said, adding Kilgore assured him that one committee won't be responsible for all the work.
One group might look at the mining while another group would study the economic impact of uranium mining, Marshall said.
"He's (Kilgore) open to the idea, and he's going to talk to other legislators," he said.
Marshall said he has concerns about what might happen to Hargrave Military Academy, Chatham Hall and even livestock if uranium mining is allowed at the proposed site about six miles northeast of Chatham.
The Danville delegate said he expects Kilgore to ask Delegate Watkins Abbitt of Appomattox and state Sen. John Watkins to serve because of their previous experience.
Marshall said Kilgore assured him there will be at least three of four public hearing on mining. He also said Kilgore indicated Virginia Uranium Inc. and environmental groups might foot the bill for the study.
"That's a sticking point," Marshall said.
Delegate Donald Merricks, R-Pittsylvania County, has been on record as supporting a study on uranium mining, which has been banned in Virginia since the early 1980s. Merricks admits uranium mining is a volatile issue, but said it needs to be examined for the future of the area.
"The study needs to address every conceivable issue," he said.
That means the environmental impact and the safety of mining, along with social and economic issues.
"Transparency through this entire process is very important," Merricks said.
House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, D-Collinsville, backed the study during the last General Assembly Session. Armstrong said the move to cut off the study was a mistake.
"I'm not prepared to vote for uranium mining," he said. "If you don't stand for a study, you stand for ignorance."
Armstrong said the Coal and Energy Commission is a credible group with the necessary knowledge to examine this issue. He added Virginia has to look at alternative fuel sources including nuclear power to provide for energy needs.
"So, there's no reason why we can't look at uranium mining to see if it can be done safely," he said.
Contact Bernard Baker at or (434) 791-7986.
http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/news/local/danville_news/article
No comments:
Post a Comment