One Step Closer to Protecting the Grand Canyon from Toxic Mining

Environment America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Bureau of Land Management released a final Environmental Impact Statement today that marks another important step toward protecting the Grand Canyon from toxic mining. This document analyzes potential impacts of uranium mining on public lands within 1 million acres around the Grand Canyon. It is the culmination of 2 years of study and nearly 300,000 public comments in support of the Administration’s preferred alternative- withdrawing the full million acres of lands around the canyon from new mining claims for the next twenty years.

In response to this landmark announcement, Environment America’s Preservation Advocate, Nancy Pyne responded:

“We can’t let uranium mining companies turn the Grand Canyon into a toxic waste dump. Today the Department of Interior took another critical step toward protecting the Grand Canyon after more than 300,000 Americans, mayors, tribal leaders and conservation groups spoke out in favor of withdrawing one million acres around the canyon from new mining claims. 

“Given the immense popularity and importance of this beloved American landmark, we urge Secretary Salazar to cement this decision and protect the Grand Canyon from new mining claims for the next twenty years.”