Uranium Mining Proposal Abandoned In Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A proposal to mine uranium in Virginia has been abandoned in the Legislature and supporters are now asking Gov. Bob McDonnell to intervene.

The proposal would have set up state regulations for uranium mining in Southside Virginia, a rural area along the North Carolina state line and home to the largest known deposit of the radioactive ore in the U.S.

Sen. John Watkins' withdrew his legislation after it became clear the bill needed more votes.

The Republican legislator is asking McDonnell to use his administrative powers to have a state agency draw up the rules. The Republican governor has not taken a position on the divisive issue.

The Legislature would still have to approve the regulations even if a state agency creates them.