Rep. Raúl Grijalva proposes permanent protection for Grand Canyon region threatened by uranium mining
Rafting along tranquil waters in the Grand Canyon, Arizona
Mark Lellouch, NPS
Proposed legislation seeks to prevent toxic impacts from new mining operations
House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) announced that he will introduce legislation to permanently protect Grand Canyon National Park and nearby public lands from the dangers of uranium mining.
The proposed legislation has the support of local tribal, city, and county officials, as well as a number of conservation groups. The Grand Canyon Trust is also releasing their new report, “Uranium Mining in the Grand Canyon Region.”
Uranium mining on public lands surrounding the park threatens to pollute aquifers that feed springs and streams in the Grand Canyon. Mining operations also poison wildlife and break up habitat and migration corridors.
The Grand Canyon region is home to several Native American tribes and it is a place of deep cultural importance. As one of America's most iconic national parks, the Grand Canyon draws over six million visitors annually and generates more than $900 million for the local economy.
The Interior Department in 2012 enacted a 20-year ban on new uranium mining in the region, stopping new mining operations across one million acres adjacent to the park. But despite widespread public support to protect the Grand Canyon, some politicians have called for lifting the ban – a proposal that would benefit only a few special interests and could cause irreparable harm across the region.
“The health of the Grand Canyon and the health of neighboring communities are jeopardized by nearby uranium mining,” said Mike Quigley, Arizona state director for the Wilderness Society. “They deserve to be protected.”
More information: Greater Grand Canyon Watershed
CONTACTS:
Andrea Alday, Deputy Director Regional Communications, The Wilderness Society, (818) 512-7628, andrea_alday@tws.org
Mike Quigley, Arizona State Director, The Wilderness Society, (520) 334-8741, mike_quigley@tws.org
The Wilderness Society is the leading conservation organization working to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places. Founded in 1935, and now with more than one million members and supporters, The Wilderness Society has led the effort to permanently protect 109 million acres of wilderness and to ensure sound management of our shared national lands. www.wilderness.org.
