Native Vote 2012

Wenona Benally Baldenegro Statement on the Moratorium on Uranium Mining

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA -

"I sincerely applaud Secretary Salazar, Rep. Grijalva, and the Obama Administration for their leadership in protecting our national treasure, the Grand Canyon, from uranium contamination and potential environmental disaster for the people of Arizona."

"My family, friends, and community members have experienced the deadly effects of uranium contamination in the tribal communities of Northern Arizona. Instead of pushing to open up the Grand Canyon for contamination, elected officials such as Rep. Gosar should be demanding that uranium companies take responsibility for cleaning up the radioactive waste they left behind years ago that continue to contaminate the water we drink and the air we breathe."

Candidate Wenona Baldenegro Benally

"Furthermore, we should be addressing the fact that many of the uranium stakeholders in the Grand Canyon are foreign interests, including Rosatom, Russia's state atomic energy corporation. I have a serious problem with foreign companies coming into Arizona, taking our resources, and polluting our air and water, in the process. It's these types of concerns that should be placed ahead of whatever profit margins these corporations may be able to make. These are the questions that I intend to ask, as a member of Congress."

Wenona Benally Baldenegro

Democratic Candidate for Arizona's First Congressional District

posted January 10, 2011 7:10 am est