Uranium mining ban in Grand Canyon area extended for 20 years

Uranium mining ban in Grand Canyon area extended for 20 years (Alberta Times) The federal government announced on the 9th that in order to protect important natural wonders and scenic spots and "national treasures", the government...

(Alberta Times)

The federal government announced on the 9th that in order to protect important natural wonders and scenic spots and "national treasures", the government decided to ban uranium mining in more than 1 million acres around the Grand Canyon for 20 years. Interior Secretary Salazar made the announcement at an event in Washington. The decision shows the federal government is ignoring pressure from Republican members of Congress and mining companies. Critics argue that the area contains large amounts of high-grade uranium ore and should be opened to mining. Salazar said the Obama administration has implemented temporary mining bans twice. He said uranium mining remains an important part of the United States' broad energy strategy, but the Grand Canyon is a national treasure of the United States and must be protected. The vast canyon area located in northeastern Arizona attracts more than 4 million tourists from all over the United States and the world every year, bringing economic activity worth approximately $3.5 billion. Millions of residents in major cities such as Phoenix and Los Angeles rely on clean drinking water from the Colorado River. Salazar emphasized: "In order to protect this priceless natural wonder in the United States, banning mining is the right thing to do. The people entrust us to care for and maintain America's precious environmental and cultural resources, and we choose to act responsibly to protect the interests of future generations." Jane Danowitz, spokesperson for the Pew Environment Group, said that this announcement means that the American people can celebrate today that the Grand Canyon is properly protected, and future generations will still be able to enjoy this natural treasure. Mining industry groups opposed the decision, calling it a "big government" move to hurt consumers.