Efforts to mine uranium in Southwest Virginia were slowed Thursday when Gov. Bob McDonnell warned the project needed further study.
McDonnell asked the General Assembly to keep in place for another year a moratorium on uranium mining that prevents new mines from opening. The issue can be revisited in the 2013 session, he said.
“In order for an informed decision to be made by state lawmakers, we need more detailed information,” McDonnell said. “Before we make any decisions about whether or not to proceed down the path to development, we must be certain that uranium mining can be conducted safely and responsibly.”
But McDonnell didn’t completely close the door on uranium mining. He asked a coalition of state agencies to draft regulatory framework that would allow mining so it can be presented to the state Coal and Energy Commission next year.
A study released last month by the National Academy of Scientists shed light on possible environmental and health risks that could result from opening a uranium mine in Pittsylvania County. McDonnell said the study didn’t come up with a definitive answer, and, “while broadly helpful, left many questions still unanswered.”
Proponents of the plan say it will be an economic boom for Southeastern Virginia, where unemployment remains high.
Lawmakers on both sides the aisle have remained split on the issue, weighing the economic benefits versus the safety risks. It was expected to be a hot topic this legislative session, but McDonnell’s directive likely cools those talks for at least 12 months.
