What’s next for the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon is a national treasure

In August, President Biden designated the Grand Canyon National Monument.

This was a hard-won victory and a critical step in protecting the Grand Canyon for current and future generations.

But now, some members of Congress, led by Rep. Paul Gosar, are trying to nullify the national monument.

HR 5635, if enacted, would erase the Grand Canyon National Monument. This means that over 1,500 square miles to the north and south of the Grand Canyon would be stripped of their protected status, and the mining claims on these lands could be developed.

New legislation would allow uranium mining near the Grand Canyon

In the area surrounding the Grand Canyon, there are over 600 uranium mining claims. The closest exist as near as 10 miles from the national park’s border.

With the designation of the Grand Canyon National Monument, those uranium mining claims cannot become operational.

Instead the area surrounding the Grand Canyon is now protected from uranium mining and the pollution that comes with it. When uranium mines are developed, any one could leak radioactive materials into groundwater or spew radioactive dust into the air.

Rep. Gosar’s legislation would undo those protections and open up the Grand Canyon and the wildlife that call it home to the threat of toxic uranium mining.

That’s where you come in. By sending a message today, you can help build the necessary opposition to this legislation.