Simon Clarke's Blog

Paul Vogel, chairman of the Western Australian Environment Protection Authority, has said that all new uranium mines seeking environmental approval under WA's new uranium mining regime will be subject to among the most stringent environmental assessments administered in the State.

Mr Vogel told uranium industry representatives at a recent Uranium Summit in Fremantle that they should not underestimate the community "outrage factor" concerning uranium projects.

The Australian Uranium Association agrees that in discussing uranium and nuclear energy, it is not always facts that hold sway. Many people have concerns, even fears, about all things uranium and nuclear. And while Mr Vogel is correct to point out that the "outrage factor" is something that industry and Government must take into account, it's reassuring that in environmental assessment and supervision of the uranium industry, science and fact are the overriding drivers of sound outcomes.

Elected Governments are there to manage and respond to community outrage.

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