Razing Arizona? Citizens Fight to Protect the Grand Canyon from Uranium Mining

Every year, 5 million tourists from all over the world flock to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, where they can view 2 billion years of geologic history in its glory.

Today, this national landmark is under threat.

In only the last few years, the uranium mining industry has lined up more than 1,000 claims throughout hundreds of thousands of acres of pristine ecosystem that surrounds the official protected park. Mining these claims would spell disaster for the Grand Canyon's wildlife, its rivers, and its scenic beauty. Already the National Park Service advises against drinking and bathing in some Grand Canyon waters, where "excessive radionuclides" have been found, according to The Grand Canyon Trust.

When President Obama took office, environmental groups worked hard to secure a two-year moratorium on uranium mining while the Interior Department further studied the issue. But that pause is about to expire, and now the U.S. Bureau of Land Management is considering a few options. Among these include the worst-case scenario—opening 1 million acres to uranium mining companies—and the best case scenario—a 20-year total mining ban on these lands.

In recent weeks, more than 50,000 people have spoken out to tell the Bureau of Land Management to enact the 20-year mining ban.  Public state and federal officials have also expressed huge concerns with uranium mining near the canyon. Numerous local and national groups have also weighed in, including American Whitewater, an organization advocating on behalf of sports paddlers who treasure the awesome whitewater on the Colorado River.

"Radiation and other pollution in these streams would directly impact human health and perceptions of wildness," said American Whitewater Executive Director Mark Singleton. "Even very small reductions of flow in tributaries and springs would impact the experience of these places."

Arizona residents are also up in arms. One of them is Suzanne Sparling, a Change.org member in Mesa, Ariz., who has founded two grassroots environmental organizations in the area and is starting her first online campaign to advocate for a uranium mining ban.

Here is what she has to say: "After moving to Arizona almost 7 years ago, I immediately fell in love with the beauty of the area. Shortly afterward, I began searching for avenues to be able to make a difference with regard to environmental issues...This being my first major campaign I did a lot of researching, reading of reports, etc. and set forth to create a compelling call to action. It has been an incredible experience and continues to build my determination to make a difference in the end result."

Signing Suzanne's petition will allow you to easily add your own voice to protect the Grand Canyon.

The outcry has been so great that last week, the government had to extend the public comment period by one month, until May 2nd, in order to give more time for people to weigh-in. Please sign today.

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