FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 23, 2020
DENVER—The Energy Department today released the Nuclear Fuel Working Group Report, encouraging President Trump to bail out foreign-owned mining companies that want to mine and refine uranium in the Four Corners region.
The report includes recommendations to expand access to uranium deposits on public lands and weaken environmental reviews for uranium exploration and development activities.
The Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Executive Director Jennifer Rokala:
“Foreign-owned uranium corporations pushed to shrink Bears Ears National Monument, and now they want to increase mining around the Grand Canyon. The Trump administration appears ready to use a global pandemic as cover to greenlight dangerous mining operations that could contaminate one of America’s natural wonders and landscapes across the West.
“Voters have made it clear that re-opening the Grand Canyon watershed to uranium mining is a political third rail, but the Trump administration today paved the way for more mining with far less environmental protection.
“Instead of undertaking such a foolish and unpopular endeavor—one day after Earth Day, no less—President Trump and Interior Secretary Bernhardt should make it clear that the greater Grand Canyon will remain off-limits to uranium mining forever, and they will not endanger human lives or the environment for the benefit of foreign-owned corporations.”
The 2020 Colorado College Conservation in the West Poll found that 77 percent of Arizona voters, and 71 percent of voters across the Mountain West, oppose allowing new uranium mining claims on public lands next to the Grand Canyon.
LEARN MORE
- Uranium mining threatens our home, the Grand Canyon [High Country News]
- “Despite promises, mining in the Grand Canyon region can’t offer economic security, isn’t necessary for national security, and can’t guarantee safety for the public or the environment” [Grand Canyon Trust]
- The Trump administration’s rhetoric ignores market realities while endangering tribes and the Colorado River [Center for Western Priorities]
- How miles of unmapped seeps and springs connect the Grand Canyon watershed [Arizona Republic]