State Senator, AG Candidate Mark Herring Announces Uranium Mining Opposition

As State Senator Mark Herring explains, the bottom line is that it doesn’t appear possible that “uranium mining can be conducted in Southside Virginia in a safe and environmentally responsible way.” In the absence of that safety and environmental responsibility, the clear answer on this issue is not just “no” but “hell no.” Oh, and as an added bonus, all that money Virginia Uranium spent trying to persuade Virginia lawmakers to give them the green light (e.g., flying them on a boondoggle to France) does not appear to have paid off. So sad, boo hoo. 🙂

HERRING ANNOUNCES OPPOSITION TO LIFTING BAN ON URANIUM MINING

~ Will offer budget amendment to prohibit state funds from being used to circumvent the ban~

Leesburg – Democratic candidate for Attorney General State Senator Mark Herring (Loudoun & Fairfax) released the following statement today announcing his opposition to legislation that would lift the ban on uranium mining and milling in Virginia:

“Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with interested stakeholders on both sides of the debate over whether to end the ban on uranium mining and milling in Virginia.  I have carefully considered their positions, as well as the scientific evidence, and I have concluded that ending the ban on uranium mining and milling is not the right course for our Commonwealth.

Therefore, I will oppose legislation during the upcoming 2013 General Assembly session that would lift the ban. Additionally, I plan to introduce budget language that would prohibit any state funding from being used to promulgate regulations designed to circumvent the ban.

The Governor should not be using taxpayer dollars and staff resources to create the regulatory framework for uranium mining, which is currently prohibited by state law.

The health and safety of the public, and of the environment, should be of paramount concern when considering issues such as this and I am simply not convinced that uranium mining can be conducted in Southside Virginia in a safe and environmentally responsible way. I take very seriously the concerns raised by citizens, business leaders and local officials in both Southside and Hampton Roads who have expressed to me their fears with regard to the potential for negative public health impacts, particularly water supply contamination.

I look forward to working with those same citizens, business leaders and local officials on ways we can improve and expand economic opportunity in Southside and diversify Virginia’s portfolio of domestic energy resources.”