Gov. Bob McDonnell keeps book. He checks off promises he's made and crows about promises he's kept. On one issue there hasn't been much talk and there's been less action: uranium mining. That could soon change.
McDonnell, whose aides are talking privately with both sides in the uranium debate, may put the issue on ice, at least until 2013, by directing state agencies — probably environment, mining and health — to rough out possible rules for mining and milling of the radioactive ore.
If it sounds like a giant step in the fight over a proposed mine in Pittsylvania County, it isn't.
It would preserve for another year a ban on mining in place since 1982 — arguably a victory for mining opponents. It would establish McDonnell as an arbiter in a debate he seemed to duck by failing to mention uranium mining in his State of the Commonwealth message. It would give mining proponents another shot at lining up in the General Assembly the votes they apparently don't have for lifting the moratorium.
McDonnell, frustrated by the Obama administration's obstacles to offshore drilling for oil and gas, can say the state is moving forward on a potential job-generating energy breakthrough, but not before — as he has repeatedly said — resolving questions of health and safety.
However, even legislators keen on mining say agencies would balk at writing regulations for an industry that may never come to Virginia. Also, how and where would the state, with a year to act, find the required experts? And in an era of shrinking budgets, how would Virginia pay for them?
The longer the struggle continues over uranium mining, the greater the risks, particularly for supporters.
The issue is increasingly likely to scramble next year's campaign to choose McDonnell's successor. Candidates could say nothing while scientists studied whether a uranium mine here could operate safely. Their yes-but findings are confirming the politicians' uncertainty. That could be a synonym for "no."
Market conditions might change. Virginia Uranium Inc. says prospects for uranium are promising, despite the Japanese nuclear catastrophe and retreat of several European nations on atomic energy. The collapse of uranium prices killed the Pittsylvania venture in the early 1980s. And while the company's Canadian backers invest long-term, the wait for opening Virginia reserves might prove too long.
For mining opponents practicing delay and destroy, another year is another opportunity to raise more questions and enlist more allies. The opposition, partly financed by heirs to candy and banking fortunes, isn't being outspent by Virginia Uranium. In 2011, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters donated $148,379 to House and Senate candidates, about $4,000 less than the company.
The antis' money, like Virginia Uranium's, is green. It just doesn't have the same glow.
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