By Whitney Delbridge
Richmond, VA - Thursday, Senator John Watkins withdrew his bill that would have lifted Virginia's ban on uranium mining.
Watkins chose not to present the bill at a Senate committee hearing Thursday afternoon, but folks on both sides of the issue say the uranium mining debate isn't over by a long shot.
Senate Bill 1353 was struck from the agenda and cannot be considered again in this General Assembly session.
Many lawmakers spoke openly about the lack of support for the bill, but mining supporters still have time to shift their strategy.
After rallying and protesting for weeks, uranium mining opposition groups are celebrating a small victory.
But their fight isn't over.
Legislators have until February 5 to present new bills for this session, and some say uranium supporters could be preparing some.
"We have to be on guard until the day when no bills can be introduced, " said Jack Dunavant of We The People Virginia, Inc.
http://www.wset.com/story/20924118/sen-john-watkins-withdraws-uranium-mining-bill
