CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A legislative committee has endorsed the idea of Wyoming taking over sole regulation of uranium mining in the state.

Currently, the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the state both oversee the industry. Wyoming is the largest uranium producing state in the country.

The Legislature's Joint Minerals Committee on Monday unanimously approved a proposed bill for the state to negotiate an agreement with the NRC to take over sole regulation of uranium mining.

Industry representatives favor the bill, saying the NRC fees and regulations are cumbersome. State officials say it could take four to six years to set up and fully take over the job. Wyoming would collect fees from industry to cover its costs to regulate mining.

The full Legislature will consider the proposal when it convenes in January.

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