Senator Kyrsten Sinema introduces Grand Canyon protection bill
Magnificent view across the Grand Canyon in Arizona
Michael Matti, Flickr
Greater Grand Canyon region moves a step closer to permanent protection from uranium mining
By introducing a Senate version of the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act, Senator Kyrsten Sinema brings us a step closer to permanent protection for Grand Canyon National Park and nearby public lands. This iconic American landscape, home to several Native American tribes, is recognized as a place of deep cultural importance.
The Grand Canyon also draws over six million visitors and generates more than $900 million annually for the local economy, supporting over 12,500 jobs. We cannot risk the contamination of drinking water supplies, the destruction of critical wildlife habitat and the devastation of the region’s tourism-based economy, to boost the profits of private and foreign-owned mining companies. These companies pay taxpayers no royalties for mining public resources, while leaving a legacy of contamination and stalled cleanup efforts.
“We are thrilled that Senator Sinema has stepped up to lead on behalf of Arizonans and all who love the Grand Canyon, by introducing legislation to permanently protect this place from the dangers of uranium mining ” said Mike Quigley, Arizona State Director, The Wilderness Society. “There is enormous support in Arizona and across the country to conserve this treasured landscape. We urge Senator McSally and the rest of the Senate to support this bill.”
With the recent passage of the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act in the House of Representatives, The Wilderness Society calls for rapid action to move this bill forward in the Senate.
Additional information:
White House nuclear energy report could threaten Grand Canyon
House passes historic public lands protection bills
Mining: Greater Grand Canyon Watershed
CONTACTS:
- Andrea Alday, Deputy Director Regional Communications, The WIlderness Society, (818) 512-7628, andrea_alday@tws.org
- Mike Quigley, Arizona State Director, The Wilderness Society, (520) 334-8741 mike_quigley@tws.org
The Wilderness Society, founded in 1935, is the leading conservation organization working to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places. With more than one million members and supporters, The Wilderness Society has led the effort to permanently protect 109 million acres of wilderness and to ensure sound management of our shared national lands. www.wilderness.org
