...at the Grand Canyon.
In October, the Obama Administration announced plans to ban new yellowcake uranium mining for 20 years on one million acres of taxpayer-owned lands around the Grand Canyon.
As the owner of a bed and breakfast in Flagstaff, AZ, I know I speak for others in the tourism industry when I thank Interior Secretary Ken Salazar for taking this important step in the right direction.
This decision won’t be final for a few more days. I’ve already told my friends and neighbors to contact Secretary Salazar and thank him directly for his actions. They can also chime in with their support on Twitter and Facebook.
A 20-year ban on new mining makes perfect sense because new yellowcake uranium mining would devastate local economies putting tens of thousands of jobs in jeopardy.
That hasn’t stopped some.
As Arizona State Senator Kyrsten Sinema noted:
In anticipation of the Secretary Salazar's decision to ban new uranium mining in the Grand Canyon region, Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Orin Hatch (R-UT) along with Representatives Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Rob Bishop (R-UT) announced legislation intended to allow new uranium mining. This despite the fact that scores of local Arizona elected officials, small business leaders, sportsmen, ranchers and farmers stand with Secretary Salazar and the 20-year ban.
The ban on new uranium mining just makes good economic sense -- doing anything otherwise in times like this would be senseless.
Senator Sinema continued:
With the Grand Canyon at the center of Arizona’s outdoor-recreation industry, this decision protects the Colorado River and Arizona’s economy. Grand Canyon National Park itself supports 12,000 jobs and fuels $680 million into northern Arizona’s local economies every year. What’s more, hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching in Arizona contribute $2.1 billion to the state economy annually.
The importance of this issue couldn't be more profound. I hope you’ll join me in standing up and expressing your thanks to Secretary Salazar for his bold defense of this national treasure.