  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2011
Contact:
Virginia Cramer, Washington D.C., 804-225-9113 x 102
Sandy Bahr, Arizona,
602-999-5790
Grand Canyon Saved from New
Uranium Mining
20-year Protection
Finalized
Washington, DC: Department of Interior
Secretary Salazar today finalized protections that will prevent new
mining and mineral exploration on more than a million acres of
public land around Grand Canyon National Park. The 20-year
protection from uranium and other hard rock mining comes as
thousands of mining claims and several new mines threaten to
industrialize the public lands around one of America's greatest
natural wonders.
"The Sierra Club applauds the decision to protect these valuable
public lands. The majesty of the Grand Canyon has inspired
generations of Americans. It has and will continue to play a key
role in our country's history, our culture and our economy. It is no
place for destructive mining," said Sierra Club Executive
Director Michael Brune.
More than 4 million people visit Grand Canyon National Park each
year, contributing over $680 million to the Northern Arizona
economy.
"This is a great day for Grand Canyon National Park and all those
who care about the park and the surrounding public lands and
waters," said Sandy Bahr, Sierra Club's Grand Canyon chapter
director. "Today's decision protects not only the area
around the Grand Canyon, but water that helps feed the Colorado
River, which provides drinking water for millions of people
downstream.
In addition to damaging Native American sacred sites and
threatening wildlife, uranium mining would threaten to permanently
pollute the groundwater and springs of the Colorado River watershed.
Millions of people in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada rely
on the Colorado River for drinking water and irrigation.
"Protecting the Grand Canyon area will safeguard water quality,
wildlife and local communities. We hope that President Obama will
build on today's decision and expand permanent protection for the
treasured areas around the North Kaibab Plateau in Arizona, adjacent
to the Grand Canyon. Protecting the Grand Canyon Watershed as a
national monument will provide vital protection for an area unlike
any other in the world," said Brune.
Today's announcement follows efforts by Congressman Grijalva
(D-AZ), scientists, tribal and local government leaders, businesses
and hundreds of thousands of concerned individuals to secure
protections for the region and its waters.
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