The federal government today extended a moratorium on new mining claims at the Grand Canyon. The extension will be in place for six months, said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. The Interior Secretary cited concerns about water, air quality and scenery for the moratorium. Salazar has said he and the Obama administration prefer a 20 year ban on new mining claims but they are still studying the issues. Mining groups are critical of the decision, saying more uranium mining is needed to … [Read more...] about Moratorium on Uranium Mining Extended