Lawmakers in Richmond got an earful during their walk to work Monday morning.
Dozens of activists flooded Capitol Square to oppose lifting the state's uranium mining ban. Legislators will decide this session whether to allow the regulation of uranium mining and processing in southside Virginia.
Supporters argue developing the Coles Hill uranium deposit would bring in billions of dollars to the economically troubled region. But opponents say radioactive waste - known as tailings - pose a very high risk to the environment.
Bills (SB 1353 and HB 2330) to lift the ban and establish a regulatory framework for uranium mining are currently before House and Senate committees.
