Conservationists, NYT Challenge Grand Canyon Uranium Mining

On February 11 the Center for Biological Diversity and allies requested the Kaibab National Forest withdraw its approval of up to 39 new uranium-exploration sites just south of Grand Canyon National Park. The Forest Service approved the exploration through a "categorical exclusion," exempting the project from public review and analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act. Approval of the test sites also caught the attention of the New York Times editorial board.

"Uranium development and the Grand Canyon just don't mix," said the Center's Taylor McKinnon. "It should go without saying that drilling for radioactive materials on the banks of a national treasure is controversial." Approval for the drilling failed to consider the potential for serious environmental impacts, public controversy, and the cumulative impacts of added uranium-exploration projects in the area. Read more in the New York Times.

To read our letter of request, click here.