Obama Administration Orders Long-Term Grand Canyon Mining Ban

Pew applauds 20-year moratorium on new claims around national park

Jane Danowitz, U.S. public lands director for the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in reaction to the signing of a record of decision by U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to bar new mining claims on nearly 1 million acres of public land surrounding Grand Canyon National Park. This administrative action is the final step that implements the 20-year moratorium.

“Americans can rest assured that the splendor of the Grand Canyon is protected today for future generations to enjoy. President Obama has joined the ranks of those national leaders who, over the past century, have defended this natural wonder from uranium mining and related development.

Today's action to safeguard the Grand Canyon reflects overwhelming public support and input from prominent scientists, elected officials, and business community leaders.take away.Jane Danowitz, U.S. Public Lands Director

“The nation's antiquated mining law, however, still gives this industry unfettered access to the majority of public lands in the West—putting at risk other national parks, monuments, and forests. We hope the Obama administration will work with Congress now to reform the 1872 Mining Law so that other American treasures are also protected.”