RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Two groups opposed to ending a 30-year state ban on uranium mining in Virginia have issued a new round of complaints about a state panel examining the issue and the hiring of a consultant that they say has too many industry ties.
The issues were outlined in a letter sent to Gov. Bob McDonnell and released by the Piedmont Environmental Council and Virginia League of Conservation Voters. The governor’s office said it was reviewing the letter.
The criticism is aimed at the Uranium Working Group, a multi-agency effort to examine the regulatory framework and safeguards that would need to be in place if Virginia lifted a 1982 ban on uranium mining. The panel is not expected to issue a recommendation on an issue the 2013 General Assembly likely will address.
