Wednesday, December 29, 2010 8:46 AM EST
Here is a possible, even probable, scenario in the eventual working out of the uranium controversy.
The main study commission has already announced that it will not bring forth an actual recommendation for or against mining in Pittsylvania County.
So here's a prediction that the report will merely offer various trade-offs for mining or not mining uranium in Pittsylvania County.
The arrival of that and other reports will trigger a vote in the General Assembly on whether or not to lift the moratorium on uranium mining in Virginia. That's the rub.
Now that it has been suggested that the only economic, viable location in Virginia for mining is at nearby Coles Hill, it becomes relatively easy for representatives of other areas to allow such mining here - especially when uranium supporters and their many lobbyists have essentially unlimited funds to give away to the General Assembly.
We don't see many who lobby at meetings, but it is certain they are active in distributing favors to Virginia legislators who will make the decision about lifting the moratorium on uranium mining in Virginia.
That's why it is probably the most important decision that our own representatives not wait to decide on the eventual commission reports.
Now is the time for them to act.
We need them to come up with a long-term strategy to prevent our becoming the sacrifice zone for the rest of the state.
This is too important a matter to give them permission to play with possibly the most important decision in the history of Pittsylvania County and surrounding areas.
Now is the time we need them to come to our aid.
Bill Winn
Martinsville, VA
Read more:
http://www.wpcva.com/articles/2010/12/29/chatham/opinion/opinion12.txt
