Understand the importance of uranium

Residents understand importance of uranium

I was privileged to be with a group of concerned citizens recently. We were discussing our local issues and candidates. The Nucla uranium mill hearing came up. I had just finished reading Fran Didier’s letter to the editor, and wanted to express my position.

I was born and raised in this valley and, being in my 70s, have seen a lot of the uranium and oil shale booms and busts. We have always been a mining and agriculture area. Recently, we have become diversified with tourism and manufacturing, which have helped maintain some stability from the downturn in oil and gas exploration.

Several people in my group traveled to Nucla for the Jan. 21 hearing. They spoke with many of the local people and found them to be very supportive of the mill opening and mining commencing. They would welcome good-paying jobs and a revitalization of their community.

Granted, huge mistakes were made 60 years ago, but today we have the knowledge and the regulations in place to safeguard the miners and the environment.

These same people have lived in Nucla for generations with the uranium all around them. Deer, elk and other wildlife have thrived. Why has it suddenly become deplorable for people in the community to made a decent living?

The United States uses 60 million tons of uranium a year. We produce 5 million tons. This makes us dependent upon foreign countries to make up the shortfall and ensures we continue with trade imbalances. Why can’t we become self-sufficient?

Our dependence on foreign oil and gas should have taught us to look to our own resources. It behooves us to listen to the people in Nucla, who are in place and know first-hand the pros and cons.

SYLVIA MORRISON