Uranium Mining Bill Passes First Test

A bill that would strengthen state oversight of uranium mining operations got an initial nod from the Colorado House of Representatives Friday.

House Bill 1161, by Fort Collins Democratic Reps. Randy Fischer and John Kefalas, faces a final vote before it can head to the Senate, where it is being sponsored by Fort Collins Sens. Bob Bacon, a Democrat, and Steve Johnson, a Republican.

Several other lawmakers representing Northern Colorado criticized the bill and tried to amend it to remove references to conventional uranium mining. They also hoped to put a year-long moratorium on all uranium mining in the state and send the bill to a review committee over the summer, but Fischer and Kefalas opposed that.

Reps. Don Marostica, R-Loveland; Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling; and Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, said they supported environmental protection but had several concerns about the bill.

If the measure is voted out of the House next week, it will face several hurdles in the Senate. Gov. Bill Ritter said he supports the measure.

See Wednesday's edition of Fort Collins Now and www.fortcollinsnow.com for more updates.