By: Michael Pope // November 19, 2012
Legislators across Virginia say they are being heavily lobbied on the issue of uranium mining, which is certain to become one of the hottest topics in the upcoming session of the General Assembly.
Chatham-based Virginia Uranium Incorporated hopes to overturn a longstanding ban on uranium mining to tap into the largest undeveloped uranium deposits in the nation, which are in Pittsylvania County, bordering North Carolina.
"Contrary to popular belief, the vote — if we have it this year — is not whether to mine uranium or not," says Del. Dave Albo, who is undecided. "It's to lift the ban so they can present plans on how they're going to do it."
Environmentalists say they are concerned about a radioactive byproduct of uranium mining known as "tailings," which they say can pollute downstream communities in the Hampton Roads area. Delegate Rob Krupicka says he'll vote against lifting the ban.
"I don't disagree with the fact that this portion of the state needs economic development, but I also think that folks shouldn't have to sacrifice the health of their water or the long-term health of their community for jobs," says Krupicka
http://wamu.org/news/12/11/19/uranium_mining_could_prompt_radioactive_debate_in_richmond
Chatham-based Virginia Uranium Incorporated hopes to overturn a longstanding ban on uranium mining to tap into the largest undeveloped uranium deposits in the nation, which are in Pittsylvania County, bordering North Carolina.
"Contrary to popular belief, the vote — if we have it this year — is not whether to mine uranium or not," says Del. Dave Albo, who is undecided. "It's to lift the ban so they can present plans on how they're going to do it."
Environmentalists say they are concerned about a radioactive byproduct of uranium mining known as "tailings," which they say can pollute downstream communities in the Hampton Roads area. Delegate Rob Krupicka says he'll vote against lifting the ban.
"I don't disagree with the fact that this portion of the state needs economic development, but I also think that folks shouldn't have to sacrifice the health of their water or the long-term health of their community for jobs," says Krupicka
http://wamu.org/news/12/11/19/uranium_mining_could_prompt_radioactive_debate_in_richmond
