Biden designates Grand Canyon as national monument, halts uranium mining.
President Joe Biden to Designate Grand Canyon as National Monument
Exciting news for nature enthusiasts and environmentalists! President Joe Biden is set to designate the area surrounding the majestic Grand Canyon as the nation’s newest national monument. This move aims to protect this natural wonder from the potential threats of uranium mining, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
The president’s visit to Arizona on Monday will serve as the perfect backdrop for this significant announcement. Alongside addressing his administration’s response to climate change amidst soaring temperatures in the region, President Biden will also discuss the Inflation Reduction Act and his commitment to promoting clean energy manufacturing.
Protecting Our Natural Heritage
“No decisions have been made,”
says White House spokesman Abdullah Hasan. However, he proudly adds,
“I can tell you that President Biden has conserved more land and water in his first year than any president since JFK, and his climate protection record is unmatched.”
For years, local tribes and environmentalists have been tirelessly advocating for the protection of areas near the Grand Canyon from uranium mining. They argue that such mining activities pose a significant threat to aquifers and water supplies. In response to their pleas, the administration has been urged to expand the protected area around the canyon by including the 1.1 million acres of public lands in a Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.
However, not everyone is in favor of this proposal. Advocates for uranium mining argue that reducing reliance on Russia for uranium is crucial, as it fuels nuclear reactors that provide approximately half of the nation’s carbon-free electricity. Additionally, some ranchers in southern Utah have expressed concerns about the potential designation, fearing that it may restrict their ability to allow cattle to graze on the public lands during the winter months.
In May, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visited the land near the Grand Canyon to highlight local conservation efforts. This visit served as a clear indication that the administration was seriously considering the move to protect this natural treasure.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development!
Source: The Washington Examiner
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