Tuesday, May 18, 2010 4:56 PM EDT
Terry Kilgore, chairman of the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission, wrote to Terry Kilgore, chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Commission, asking for $200,000 to fund the socio-economic study of uranium mining and milling and Virginia (the technological study has been funded for $1.4 million).
The scope of the study has not been determined. The party who might conduct the study has not been identified.
Allegedly some phone calls were made about a hypothetical study, but there is no clear or substantive indication of why $200,000 might be deemed sufficient. Possibly the study will be designed to fit the budget and not the other way around.
One of the investors in Virginia Uranium sits on the Tobacco Commission's Executive Committee and made a strong statement at their meeting on April 15 urging that the study go forward as soon as possible.
Rather than recuse himself, he also voted to send the request for funding the study to the full commission for a vote.
There is no reason to rush such a study and put the cart before the horse. After all, the scope of the technical study was well defined before that study was funded.
It's appropriate that at least part of the study funding come from the state. Tobacco Commission support is welcome.
Commissioners should know what they're getting for our money and make sure that adequate funding is available to make the study worthwhile.
Corbin Harwood
Halifax County, VA
