Coyote Gulch

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Energy policy: Oil shale

From The Denver Post, "Exxon Mobil and Royal Dutch Shell said efforts to tap Rocky Mountain oil deposits large enough to meet U.S. demand for a century have been stalled by subterranean rivers and greenhouse gases. Shell won't know until 2009 whether an underground wall of ice intended to shield oil- rich rocks from flowing water will work, project director Wolfgang Deeg said Tuesday at an industry conference at the Colorado School of Mines. Exxon Mobil hasn't figured out how to contain greenhouse-gas emissions from its planned development to extract oil from shale formations in the region."
"2008 pres"
5:57:56 AM

Energy policy: Nuclear

Here's an opinion piece written by Powertech's Centennial Project Manager, from The Fort Collins Coloradoan. He writes:

Powertech (USA) Inc.'s proposal to recover uranium in rural Weld County has created lots of attention - and even more misinformation. Powertech's preferred method of in-situ recovery, or ISR, is a proven and safe method of recovering underground uranium. In fact, the Grover ISR site opened and closed decades ago in Northern Colorado - with no ill effects to the environment or community. Project opponents have presented lies, mistruths and innuendo to gain momentum for their campaign, choosing to ignore facts about Powertech, ISR and uranium.

Allow me to state those facts:

> Water supplies are safe: No U.S. ISR project has ever contaminated drinking water. Groundwater in the uranium ore zone is already contaminated with uranium and other heavy metals and is not used for drinking.

> Communities are protected: Powertech will employ highly regulated and advanced technology to maintain a closed and safe recovery process.

> Operations are regulated: Local, state and federal regulatory agencies will hold Powertech to strict environmental and public safety standards and permitting requirements. We're counting on it, and so should you.

Powertech is here to stay and is committed to being a good corporate citizen and neighbor. The company will submit permit applications at the end of 2008. Seek out the truth about uranium operations. You'll find that the "fear factor" techniques promulgated by the opposition are an insult to your intelligence. Still have questions? See our Web site at www.powertech uranium.com, or call our hotline at (877) 798-4240.

So what are the politicians saying/doing about Powertech's proposed uranium mining operation in Weld County? Here's an article about the subject from The Fort Collins Coloradoan. From the article:

A proposal to mine uranium east of Wellington is facing mounting political pressure, including opposition from U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave and potential legislation that would add more state regulation. State Reps. Randy Fischer and John Kefalas, both Fort Collins Democrats, are working on legislation that would require a mining company to prove its operations will not contaminate groundwater resources. The bill also would "lift the veil of secrecy" that state law allows around mineral prospecting so affected landowners can get a better sense of what's happening on neighboring properties. The intent of the bill would not be to stop the mining operation, Fischer said, but to ensure the state has adequate environmental standards to protect residents as well as air and water quality. "Let's make sure those protections are in place before we give permits to do this type mining," he said.

State Sen. Steve Johnson, a Fort Collins Republican, said he would carry the bill in the Senate. The company has a right to the minerals it owns, but nearby property owners have justifiable concerns about the impact of mining on their water, he said. More regulation will not dissuade Powertech (USA) from pursuing the permits needed to do its work, said Lane Douglas, manager for the company's Centennial Project. "Powertech is committed to meeting all state regulations in conducting a safe and environmentally conscious mining operation," he said. The company has invested millions into the project - including $2.1 million for land - and will put in millions more, Douglas said. The rising price of uranium and growing interest in nuclear energy around the world makes the project financially viable...

Musgrave, a Fort Morgan Republican whose congressional district includes Larimer and Weld counties, said Tuesday she is opposed to Powertech's proposal and will speak out against it. Company officials have not given satisfactory answers when pressed for details about the operation, such as whether a pit mine would be used, she said. "I just don't see how this will work in such a populated area," she said. "I'm a strong proponent of private property rights, but I don't have a good feeling about this and what it would do to residents and agriculture in this area." Colorado has a history of environmental disasters brought on by mining operations, Fischer said. The state needs to get ahead of advances in mining techniques to protect the environment.

More Coyote Gulch coverage here.
"2008 pres"
5:47:27 AM