The use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and the possible effect thereof on the health and safety of the public have been under study by the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council since 1956. In that year the General Assembly directed the Council to consider what legislation, if any, should be adopted in this field. The Council determined, and so reported to the 1958 Session of the General Assembly, that legislation was premature at that time; but recommended that the study be continued. This was done, and in its report to the 1960 Session of the General Assembly the Council recommended legislation, which was enacted, requiring registration of sources of ionizing radiation, other than those under license by the Atomic Energy Commission. The Council also recommended to the 1960 Session of the General Assembly a continuation of the study; the General Assembly, pursuant to the recommendation, adopted Senate Joint Resolution No. 3.

The Council selected Mosby G. Perrow, Jr., member of the Senate of Virginia and member of the Council, as Chairman of a Committee to make the initial study and report to it. The following served as members of the Committee: Robert F. Baldwin, member of the Senate of Virginia, Norfolk; Lloyd C. Bird, member of the Senate of Virginia, Chesterfield County; George D. Capito, Appalachian Power Company, Lynchburg; George M. Cochran, member of the House of Delegates, Staunton; Rollin F. Conaway, E. I. duPont de Nemours & Company, Richmond; Frank A. Ernst, former manager, Allied Chemical & Dye Corporation, Petersburg; M. C. Edlund, Babcock & Wilcox, Lynchburg; Charles R. Fenwick, member of the Senate of Virginia, Arlington; Guy L. Furr, Appalachian Electric & Power Company, Roanoke; Edward S. Harlow, Research Laboratory, American Tobacco Company, Richmond; H. Lester Hooker, State Corporation Commission, Richmond; Ralph O. Hutchison, American Machine & Foundry Company, Washington, D. C.; and J.B. Woodward, Jr., Chairman of the Board, Newport News Shipbuilding · and Dry Dock Company, Newport News. During the course of the study Messrs. Conaway and Hutchison moved away from Virginia, and resigned from the Committee.

The Committee organized by electing Senator Fenwick Vice-Chairman. John B. Boatwright, Jr. and G. M. Lapsley served as Secretary and Recording Secretary, respectively, to the Committee.

The composition of the Committee was such that it represented a cross section of the industries most directly concerned with the development and use of atomic energy in Virginia, as well as the General Assembly, and the public. Information was secured concerning developments in the field and activities in other states were considered and evaluated. Consultations were had with individuals and groups concerned with particular phases of the problem. The Committee after careful consideration of the information before it, made its report to the Council. The Council has reviewed the report of the Committee, and makes the following recommendation, for the reasons hereinafter set forth.