Tell the President: Protect the Grand Canyon from Uranium Mines
A sharp increase in uranium mine prospecting on public lands around the Grand Canyon led the Secretary of the Interior to enact a two-year temporary ban on new uranium mine claims adjacent to the canyon. Now, Secretary Salazar has found that to protect the national landmark, the ban should be extended for 20 years.
The incredible vistas and postcard-perfect scenery are just one aspect of the Grand Canyon's magnificent landscape. A closer look reveals a number of complex ecosystems supporting diverse wildlife and plants, many dependent on scarce water in an arid climate.
President Obama should support Secretary Salazar's finding and push for a 20 year-extension to protect the parks' fragile water resources and 25 million water users downstream.
Tell President Obama that you want the uranium mine claim ban extended because you think the Grand Canyon is worth it.
Dear President Obama,
Please support continuing the ban on new uranium mining claims on public lands adjacent to the Grand Canyon National Park. Your Interior Department has conducted an exhaustive and transparent two-year study process to confirm that withdrawing these lands from new mining exploration is needed to protect the Grand Canyon and a watershed that supplies 25 million American water users.
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Widespread public support for this action is shown by the almost 300,000 people who commented in support of the ban, which has also been endorsed by American Indian tribes, local governments, independent scientists, businesses, hunting and fishing organizations, and many others who support this iconic national park.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar's decision to withdraw this special area from the impacts of future mining is an important safeguard that protects Grand Canyon National Park and the $700 million annual tourism revenues it generates for the regional economy.
Thank you for considering my request.
