VA Pilot: Uranium mining study is a fine beginning
The Virginian-Pilot editorial staff writes in support of the National Academy of Sciences’ study of uranium mining in Virginia, saying “it’s time to let the scientists jump in and sort out the facts from the fabrications.” The 18-month, $1 million study will examine the health, safety and environmental impacts, as well as the economic benefits of uranium mining in Virginia. The study arises our of renewed calls to lift Virginia’s ban on uranium mining that would clear the way to develop the largest untapped uranium deposit in the United States located in Pittsylvania County. The Pittsylvania County deposit could contain enough nuclear fuel to supply Virginia’s current nuclear power demand – 37% of Virginia’s electricity comes from nuclear – for the next 65 years. The development of this vital resource would put a huge dent in America’s dependence on foreign sources of energy – America currently imports 92% and Virginia imports 100% of the uranium we use each year to generate nuclear power – and would create as many as 500 new jobs in economically depressed Southside Virginia. Because nuclear power is carbon-emissions-free, developing Virginia’s uranium supply will also lead to significantly reducing carbon emissions that contribute to global warming.
[T]he analysis, which could take up to 18 months to complete, should be viewed as a valuable first step toward assessing the potential dangers and rewards from permitting one or more mining operations in the commonwealth…
The team of scientists performing the study isn’t being asked to approve or reject a mining permit for Pittsylvania County. Instead, the group will assemble research for state legislators to consider as they determine whether to lift a 27-year moratorium on uranium mining.
If legislators end the ban, Virginia Uranium and any other would-be developer will be subjected to a lengthy battery of federal, state and local regulatory examinations.”
