Telluride residents speak out on federal uranium leases

By The AP
Thursday, August 11, 2011

TELLURIDE — The U.S. Department of Energy is wrapping up public meetings regarding a program that leases federal land for uranium development in Colorado.

The Telluride Daily Planet reports that at one meeting Tuesday in Telluride, the department presented five possible options for the program, ranging from ending it to letting it run as is.

Steve White of Montrose County’s planning department told federal officials that county commissioners don’t think further review of the program is needed. He says developing federal energy leases is critical to ensuring America’s security and prosperity.

Others weren’t as supportive. Town Councilman David Oyster walked to the front of the room with six others, who donned black hoods representing those killed by nuclear attacks. He said starting the uranium industry anew in the region wouldn’t stand.