The Koch brothers are lobbying hard for the right to mine uranamium in the Grand Canyon. (see link) A proposed coservation measure would ban mining from 1.7 million acres around the canyon. The proposal is supported by 80% of Arizona residents, environmental
groups, and native tribes, the Guardian reports. Yet, Greg Zimmerman
of the Center for Western Priorities has found that a non-profit group,
the Prosper Foundation, is fighting to block the move..... Proponents of the ban observe that uranium mining has been proven
to cause cancer in those working the mines, as well as in Native
Americans, whose water is contaminated by the process.
I wonder which side will win?
If anyone can pull off a mining operation of an unstable element in a national park, it is the Koch brothers. A few national parks have set precedent when it comes to keeping commercial mining out of their borders, however, it is still case by case. The US's history of stepping up to defend its national parks is less than stellar. In Glacier Bay it is not technically illegal, though no mining has taken place since the 70s.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anthony, if anyone could pull of a mining operation that the vast majority of residents oppose, it would be the Kochs. It does not help that Arizona Republicans such as John McCain are also fighting this ban. This is just another example of the Koch brothers using their power and money to be able to mine for uranium in the Grand Canyon. I also think the timing is interesting, this announcement to mine for such an unstable element in such a monumental national park came on Earth day out of all days.
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