Rachel Maddow comes to the aid of anti-uranium Republicans

One of the more contentious issues that will come up in the next General Assembly session will be whether to lift the uranium mining ban. The Coles Hill site in Pittsylvania county could contain several millions pounds of the element and, according to a Chumra Economics study, Coles Hill could generate $5 billion in net economic activity and 1,000 jobs over the life of the project.

But there are those who dislike the idea of a uranium mine in the neighborhood. Environmental groups and preservationists lead the list. But there are a handful of Republican legislators who are either outright opposed to lifting the ban, and the Coles Hill project, or have their fingers in the wind on both matters.

They will be happy to learn that Rachael Maddow’s minions have come to their aid.

Not exactly the sort of support pro-growth Republicans should be courting, but there it is.

But let’s be fair here: there are a number of questions that need to be answered before a mine of this sort can open. A National Academy of Sciences report is supposed to be on its way that could help answer some of those questions. However, if it’s like the Chmura report, the NAS study could also provide cover to all sides.

It would be easy to slow-boat this process and urge more study. This is the default position for those who would rather not be forced to make a decision at all. Even if the NAS study comes in and says “everything will be great, what are you waiting for?” the state must still lift its ban before guidelines and regulations can be put in place.

In short, lifting the ban does nothing except allow for more study, more hearings and greater discussion.

As the saying goes, this story is developing…

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About the author

Norman Leahy

Norm Leahy has written about Virginia and national politics online since 2002, beginning with One Man's Trash (OMT), and continuing through Bacon's Rebellion (both the blog and the e-zine), Sic Semper Tyrannis, NBC12's Decision Virginia, Richmond.com and Tertium Quids. He is the chief blogger at "The Score" and a producer of "The Score" radio show as well as being a Washington Examiner contributor.