The letter received from Delegate Kilgore, on behalf of the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission, requesting that the National Research Council undertake a study to assess whether uranium could be mined and processed safely in the Commonwealth of Virginia is appended below. Letters supporting the study request from U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb and from Governor Kaine are also appended.
TERRY G.KILGORE |
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA |
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS: |
August 20, 2009
Dr. E. William Colglazier
Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer
National Research Council
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Re: Virginia Coal and Energy Commission—Request for Uranium Study
Dear Dr. Colglazier:
As Chair of the Coal and Energy Commission, established in the legislative branch of state government pursuant to Chapter 25 of Title 30 of the Code of Virginia, I write to formally request that the National Research Council (“NRC”) undertake a study of whether uranium can be mined and milled safely in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I understand that informal discussions have occurred about this assignment between NRC and Dr. Michael E. Karmis, Director of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research at Virginia Tech.
The Commission believes that such a study is critical for a number of reasons: our country’s concern about energy independence and clean energy; the location in the Commonwealth of the largest known untapped uranium ore body in North America consisting of an estimated 120 million pounds of uranium in Pittsylvania County, located in south central Virginia; and the potential that this discovery of uranium offers for greater economic development opportunities in a predominantly rural area of the state as well as for nuclear energy-related research.
The Coal and Energy Commission was established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1979. It consists of 20 members, thirteen of whom serve as members of the House of Delegates or the Senate of Virginia. The seven non-legislative citizen members are appointed by the Governor. Among its statutory responsibilities, the Commission endeavors to “stimulate, encourage, promote, and assist in the development of renewable and alternative energy resources other than petroleum.” We serve in an advisory capacity to the Governor and executive branch agencies upon energy-related matters, we encourage research designed to further new and more extensive use of the coal as well as alternative and renewable energy resources of the Commonwealth, and we make recommendations, from time to time, to the Governor and General Assembly on our own initiative, (see Section 30-189, Cede of Virginia, 1950, as amended).
NOT PAID FOR AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE
In view of the large uranium ore body in the Commonwealth, the Commission agreed last year to consider whether uranium is a resource that should be developed as part of the Commonwealth’s energy portfolio. Toward that end, I appointed a committee of the Commission to investigate the issue, to define a scope of study, contract with such third parties as appropriate to conduct the study and report its findings to the Commission. Delegate Lee Ware chairs that committee.
After extensive public hearings over the course of six months and input from a number of interested parties, Delegate Ware’s committee adopted a scope of study or “statement of task” on May 21, 2009, a copy of which is enclosed.
I understand that Dr. Karmis, who has worked with Delegate Ware’s committee, has also had preliminary discussions with Dr. Warren Muir, Executive Director of the Division on Earth and Life Studies, Dr. Anthony R. de Souza, Director of the Board on Earth Sciences and Resources (“BESR”) and Dr. Elizabeth A. Eide, Staff Officer with BESR, and that the parties have an understanding of how best to proceed in undertaking this assignment. Dr. Karmis worked closely with the committee in developing the statement of task which sets forth the elements of the study.
I write to request that the NRC work with the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research as the sponsor of the project. We hope that the questions asked in the enclosed statement of task will serve as the basis for your work. We do not know what would constitute a reasonable length of time to examine the issues set forth in the statement and will be interested in your assessment in that regard.
As for funding, after our solicitation to all interested parties, we have received a firm commitment to underwrite the costs of the study. Those funds can be transferred to the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research when the statement of task and an agreement have been reached with the NRC.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you.
Enclosure
cc: Dr. Warren Muir, Executive Director, Division on Earth and Life Studies
Dr. Anthony R. de Souza, Director, Board on Earth Sciences and Resources
Dr. Elizabeth A. Eide, Senior Program Officer, Board on Earth Sciences and Resources
Dr. Michael E. Karmis, Director of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research
The Honorable Timothy G. Kaine, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
The Honorable L. Preston Bryant, Jr., Secretary of Natural Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia
The Honorable John C. Watkins, Vice Chair, Virginia Coal and Energy Commission
The Honorable R. Lee Ware, Chair, Uranium Study Committee of the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission
Ellen Porter, Division of Legislative Service
Dear Dr. Colglazier:
I want to inform you of an opportunity in Virginia that could help provide a potential solution to our nation’s energy needs. I understand that the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission has formally requested the National Research Council (“NRC”), as the operating arm of the National Academy of Science, to undertake a study to review the scientific, technical and regulatory aspects of uranium mining, milling and processing and to assess environmental and human health and safety issues as they relate to the Commonwealth and specifically Pittsylvania County. The request arises from the discovery of a large uranium ore body in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, known as the “Coles Hill Deposit”.
Two years ago the Commonwealth adopted the “Virginia Energy Plan” which has the potential to promote the Commonwealth’s energy independence and to educate consumers on energy conservation and efficiency. As a nation, we should consider the whole portfolio approach to energy, and consider all possible resources as we attempt to confront our energy needs and work to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy.
While recognizing the tremendous potential economic benefits from mining uranium, I think it is critical that the environmental and health impacts from uranium mining be carefully examined. Because of the pre-eminent, international reputation of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, I can think of no entity more qualified to meet the challenge of addressing the important issues requested for study by the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission, and I hope that you will consider my request.
Ralph J. Cicerone
President of the National Academy of Sciences
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Dear Dr. Cicerone:
As you are aware, the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission has requested the National Academy of Science undertake a study to examine uranium mining in the Commonwealth of Virginia. According to the Commission, the study would examine the scientific, technical, environmental, human health and safety, and regulatory aspects of uranium mining, milling, and processing. The request arises from the discovery of a large uranium deposit in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
It is my understanding that the Academy is considering whether to undertake this request. Uranium resources will continue to play a critical role in the nation’s energy security. Recovering the Pittsylvania County deposit, however, hinges on the ability to fully protect human health and the environment. The National Academy is well qualified to provide the federal government and the public with unbiased, objective advice on this issue.
While recognizing the tremendous economic and energy security benefits from mining uranium, I would like to urge the Academy to fully examine any environmental and health impact associated with this activity. I am confident that the Academy will conduct this study free from bias and with the best available science, consistent with the long established traditions of the institution.
Thank you for considering this request.
November 6, 2009
Dr. E. William Colglazier
Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer
National Research Council
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Dear Dr. Colglazier:
I understand that the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission has formally requested the National Research Council (“NRC”), as the operating arm of the National Academy of Science, to undertake a study to review the scientific, technical and regulatory aspects of uranium mining, milling and processing and to carefully assess environmental and human health and safety issues as they relate to the Commonwealth and specifically Pittsylvania County.
Two years ago I announced the Virginia Energy Plan, a proposal to promote the Commonwealth’s energy independence and to educate consumers on energy conservation and efficiency. The Plan was required by the 2006 General Assembly and was prepared by a broad-based advisory group.
Among many other provisions of the Plan is a recommendation that “Virginia should assess the potential value of and regulatory needs for uranium production in Pittsylvania County.” [page 28, Virginia Energy Plan.] Recognizing the need to fuel Virginia’s nuclear power plants, the Plan further states that “the potential to mine Virginia uranium is therefore strategically important and warrants careful analysis.” [page 42, Virginia Energy Plan.]
Patrick Henry Building • 1111 East Broad Street • Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 786-2211 • TTY (800) 828-1120
www.governor.virginia.gov
Dr. E. William Colglazier
November 6, 2009
Page 2
Because of the pre-eminent, international reputation of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, I can think of no entity more qualified to meet the challenge of assessing the potential risks and benefits of mining uranium in Pittsylvania County, and determining whether it is possible to do so in a safe, environmentally responsible way.
cc: The Honorable Terry G. Kilgore, Chair, Coal and Energy Commission
The Honorable John C. Watkins, Vice Chair, Virginia Coal and Energy Commission
The Honorable R. Lee Ware, Chair, Uranium Study Committee of the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission
The Honorable L. Preston Bryant, Jr., Secretary of Natural Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia
Mr. Stephen A. Walz, Director, Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Commonwealth of Virginia