Virginia energy summit to be held same day as anti-uranium meeting

While anti-uranium mining interests are meeting in one part of Richmond on Thursday, a different group of folks will be holding an event sponsored by pro-energy-industry organizations just across town.

The Virginia Petroleum Council and the Virginia Manufacturer’s Association are sponsoring a Virginia energy summit, entitled Virginia’s Energy Future, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Jefferson Hotel at 101 W. Franklin St. in Richmond, with a reception to take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The invitation-only event will include statewide business, political and community leaders discussing the state’s energy future, as well as remarks from Gov. Bob McDonnell, said Michael Ward, executive director of the Virginia Petroleum Council.

The summit was scheduled to coincide with the end of the General Assembly session so state legislators and aides could find time to attend, Ward said. Up to 150 people are expected to attend.

Eloise Nenon, a uranium mining opponent and a founding member of Southside Concerned Citizens, said she found it “strange” that the event would take place simultaneously with the uranium symposium, a meeting planned and known about “for a couple of months.”

“It appears to be a distraction,” Nenon said Friday.

Patrick Wales, geologist and spokesman for Virginia Uranium Inc., said he isn’t sure whether he’ll be able to attend the summit, but said the event holds relevance for uranium mining. 

“Virginia Uranium believes that there is no greater energy project than Coles Hill to provide sustained economic benefits to the region and the Commonwealth,” Wales said via e-mail Friday. “300-500 high-paying jobs in Pittsylvania County would provide tremendous benefits to our struggling economy.”

Ward said the summit will focus on oil-and-gas exploration, alternative and renewable energy, nuclear energy and other related topics.

The uranium symposium will be held from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Richmond Center Stage for the Performing Arts at 600 E. Grace St. in Richmond. The event is free and open to the public.