Rapid City Resists

Rapid City, South Dakota -- A crowd of concerned residents gathered today downtown to protest Interior Secretary Zinke’s failed public lands policies, including his efforts to reopen the Southwest Black Hills to toxic uranium mining. If allowed to move forward, the proposed mine would hand over more than 10,000 acres of land to radioactive and destructive mining, much of it subject to Bureau of Land Management mineral claims.

In response, Mark Winegar, Chairman of the South Dakota Chapter of the Sierra Club, released the following statement:

“We couldn’t stand by and watch this representative of a failed administration visit the Black Hills without a response. We want to share the wonder and beauty of the Black Hills and all the good things they offer, while also sharing our deep love and care for our natural resources. Secretary Zinke’s sell out of public lands to dirty fuel interests must stop. Allowing uranium mining in the Black Hills threatens the history and culture of the region, its economic potential as an outdoor destination, and our clean water sources. We know from past experience in this country that uranium mining leaves a toxic legacy that may never be cleaned up. Communities today are still suffering the negative health effects of mining ended decades ago, even as they deal with contaminated waterways. Dirty fuel companies should not be allowed to profit at the expense of our health, waters, and lands. And Ryan Zinke shouldn’t be rolling out the red carpet for them to do so.”