More Debate Called for

(From the Danville Register and Bee 10/27/2007)

To the editor:
Thank you for your editorials calling our attention toproposed uranium mining in Pittsylvania County. Iappreciate the informative reporting on this issue, as well.
Four replies are common when I talk with people aboutpossible mining here:
-- It's good. It means jobs, money and energy;
-- It's bad. Uranium mining has brought devastation toworkers and communities wherever it's occurred;
-- We need more information; and
-- It's a done deal.
The last of these opinions I find most disheartening.Virginia's political and legislative response toproposed uranium mining is just beginning. We need tobe informed and attentive. We need to ask questionsand express our concerns.
Thorough study of the risks, costs and benefits ofuranium mining could easily take two years. Virginia'ssenators and delegates must then review the study,weigh the risks and decide whether to lift Virginia'smoratorium. If they allow uranium mining, the statewould write regulations specifically for Virginia -another long process if done well.
We need to think beyond a knee-jerk yea or nay andconsider what living near a uranium mine would meanfor us and for our loved ones. A region known fortobacco, textiles, Chatham Hall and NASCAR may becomeknown for uranium. An industry known for devastationmay make history by doing a better job here or it mayrepeat history by bringing devastation here. This is not a done deal.
And because it's not a done deal, we need you. The community needs the media. We need the creativetension that arises when people think, confront thefacts and recognize the uncertainties that surroundthe uranium industry.
Thank you for reporting, for offering your opinion andfor providing a forum for debate. Please continue.We're far from a done deal.
KATIE WHITEHEAD
Chatham