Legislation aimed at addressing uranium mining in Colorado moves ahead

Legislation focusing on uranium mining in Colorado took another step forward Wednesday.

HB1161, sponsored by Rep. John Kefalas, D-Fort Collins and Rep. Randy Fischer, D-Fort Collins, was sent to the House Appropriations Committee after being "significantly amended" by the House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee, according to a release.

Kefalas and Fischer said in the release that they will continue to hear recommendations to further amend the legislation, which featured revisions as a result of talks between the legislators, those in the environmental community, the mining industry and Powertech -- the company planning to open a uranium mine in Nunn.

Richard Clement, the CEO and president of Powertech, said in the release that they will continue to work with legislators as the bill makes its way through the Legislature.

Should the House Appropriations Committee approve the legislation, it will then move to the floor of the House of Representatives for debate.