President Joe Biden is taking steps to protect the beloved Grand Canyon by announcing the designation of a new national monument. The decision comes after extensive lobbying efforts from tribal leaders and environmentalists who fear that uranium mining in the area would have severe consequences for the Colorado River watershed, as well as culturally significant sites.
Named Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon national monument, the protected area spans almost 1 million acres, encompassing the headwaters of the Colorado River and the habitat of the endangered California condor. It holds immense value for numerous tribes, including the Havasupai and Hopi tribes.
This move aligns with President Biden’s commitment to safeguard and conserve at least 30% of the nation’s land and waters by 2030. While the Obama administration had previously prohibited new mining in the region, those protections are set to expire by 2023. The new designation would ensure permanent preservation.
Not surprisingly, the mining industry has expressed its intention to challenge this decision. In Congress, lawmakers have been considering legislation to boost national uranium production and reduce reliance on Russian imports. However, advocates argue that the Grand Canyon region accounts for a mere 1% of US uranium reserves, making it unworthy of sacrificing for energy independence.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve in the US Cabinet, emphasizes the importance of protecting tribal sacred sites and fostering partnerships between Tribal Nations and the government. The Grand Canyon region represents just one of several areas where Indigenous tribes are actively advocating for protection against extraction.
The Biden administration has also been actively involved in restoring and expanding protections for other monuments, such as Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah. In addition, they enacted a 20-year ban on drilling near Chaco Canyon in New Mexico.
Furthermore, the administration has shown its commitment to addressing climate change through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which will soon mark its one-year anniversary. The act prioritizes investments in renewable energy and other sustainable initiatives.
With this latest announcement, President Biden continues to prioritize the preservation of America’s natural and cultural treasures, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the wonders of the Grand Canyon and its surrounding areas.
“Infuriatingly humble tv expert. Friendly student. Travel fanatic. Bacon fan. Unable to type with boxing gloves on.”