US to Block Uranium Mines Near Grand Canyon

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

Grand Canyon Conservation

WASHINGTON - In a move that will please American Indian tribes located near the Grand Canyon, the Obama administration is set to announce today that it will block new uranium mining on one million acres in northern Arizona for 20 years, according to an article published Sunday by the "The New York Times."

Last November, several American Indian tribes and conservation groups filed an appeal that challenged in the 9th Circuit Court a lower federal court's decision that would have allowed for a uranium mine near the Grand Canyon.

The US Department of the Interior released a media advisory indicating that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar will host the premiere of a new short film produced by the National Park Service for viewing by visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park. As part of this event, Secretary Salazar will make an announcement regarding conservation of the Grand Canyon.

"The New York Times" article reported Interior Secretary Salazar cited the potential for pollution in waterways and harm to wildlife, desert vegetation and air quality.

The Interior Department in 2009 imposed an interim ban that will expire soon.

The five tribes closest to the Grand Canyon, the Hualapai, Navajo, Havasupai, Kaibab Paiute and Hopi tribes, have opposed uranium mining for several years, because of the contamination on tribal lands and its health risks to their tribal citizens.

posted January 9, 2011 6:00 am est