Hon. Shirley A. Jackson, Ph.D.
Chairman
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555

Dear Dr. Jackson:

A growing number of concerns have been expressed to me about extended delays with U.S.N.R.C. reviews of submittals from Wyoming uranium operators. While acknowledging the complexity of the permitting process and the need for care in the granting of approvals, the delays are beginning to appear excessive.

The uranium industry has been active here since the 1950's and has continued to maintain limited operations in spite of a deeply depressed market. Restoration and reclamation has dominated, but now, with an improvement in the spot market, there's a growing trend to expand mining along with environmental efforts. Permitting for both operations are reported to be falling seriously behind at a time when there is a real opportunity to expand employment, revenues and tax returns that support both extraction and environmental repairs. At a joint workshop in Denver this past March, operators were informed by NRC attendees that draft operating plans were backlogged until early winter, at the earliest. As you know, even if approvals are given at that time, it will be months before start-up operations can begin on site.

I will certainly appreciate any assistance that you can provide, Dr. Jackson, to help improve the timeliness of the permitting process. I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.