Conservation groups are applauding the Obama administration’s final decision this week, protecting 1 million acres of public land around Grand Canyon National Park from new uranium mining. Today’s Interior Department “record of decision” establishes a 20-year ban on new uranium mining and mining of current claims without valid permits across 1 million acres (more than 1,500 square miles). The ban will protect Grand Canyon’s springs and creeks, as well as imperiled species like the humpback chub, … [Read more...] about Mixed Reactions to Ban on New Uranium Mining
Interior
Gosar Sponsored Legislation Passes House Floor
Today, the first piece of legislation Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, H.R. 489, passed on the floor the United States House of Representatives. “My legislation is a common-sense solution to the bureaucratic wrangling that has occurred between the Department of Interior and Agriculture that has compromised the routine maintenance of critical water infrastructure in Arizona,” … [Read more...] about Gosar Sponsored Legislation Passes House Floor
Group Supporting Uranium Mining Moratorium
Just days before the annual celebration of National Public Lands Day, 50 Arizona business associations and small businesses have sent a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, voicing support for a proposed 20-year moratorium on new uranium mining near Grand Canyon National Park. The state’s national parks, monuments and other public lands they say are “powerful engines of Arizona’s economy.” In a related effort, over 200 small businesses from across Arizona have signed and sent postcards … [Read more...] about Group Supporting Uranium Mining Moratorium
Future of Navajo Generating Station Uncertain
The future of the Navajo Generating Station near Page, AZ. remains uncertain. The Interior Department has requested the U.S. Environmental Protection agency to put off a decision on pollution controls for the coal fired plant for at least six months. A decision by the EPA was expected this summer which likely would have required additional reductions of nitrogen oxide emissions. An official from the Interior Department says the office needs more time to study the impacts of requiring … [Read more...] about Future of Navajo Generating Station Uncertain
Flake Votes to Prevent Ban on Uranium Mining
Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, today voted against an amendment in the House Appropriations Committee that would have removed language from the Interior Appropriations bill which blocks a moratorium on uranium mining in northern Arizona. The amendment failed 23-26. “Uranium mining outside of Grand Canyon National Park can create jobs and stimulate the economy in northern Arizona without jeopardizing the splendor and natural beauty within the … [Read more...] about Flake Votes to Prevent Ban on Uranium Mining
Flake Protesting No. AZ Uranium Mining Moratorium
Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona’s Sixth District, is including language in the House Interior Appropriations bill that would prevent the Obama Administration from withdrawing nearly one million acres of public and National Forest System lands north and south of the Grand Canyon to new uranium mining claims and exploration. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar halted new mining claims for two years in 2009 and federal agencies have undertaken an environmental analysis of the … [Read more...] about Flake Protesting No. AZ Uranium Mining Moratorium
Moratorium on Uranium Mining Extended
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
