Oct 12, 2011
AZ GOP pushes to open Grand Canyon to uranium mining
Arizona’s Republican delegation showed again today that they are determined to open up one of the state’s most precious assets, and a national point of pride, to uranium mining. The Republican delegation, led by U.S. Sen. John McCain and Reps. Jeff Flake and Paul Gosar, has put forward legislation that would give mining companies access to one million acres of public land – including the Grand Canyon National Park’s watershed.
The Grand Canyon is not just the crown jewel of the state, but also is an integral part of the state’s economy and an invaluable resource, as much of Arizona’s water flows through the Colorado River. The Arizona Republican delegation’s decision to prioritize the mining industry over communities at the risk of a potential environmental disaster is unconscionable.
“Jeff Flake, John McCain, Ben Quayle, Paul Gosar and the rest of Arizona’s Republican delegation showed again today that their priorities fall well outside the mainstream,” said Arizona Democratic Party executive director Luis Heredia. “Rather than looking out for the families and tribal communities of Arizona, they have sided with the mining companies and their risky proposal to mine for uranium in and around the Grand Canyon.”
“If Republicans were so interested in creating jobs, they would focus on growing the sustainable economy in Northern Arizona – not providing a short-term spike in profits for mining companies,” Heredia said.
