Contact: Sandy Bahr (602) 999-5790 or sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org
GRAND CANYON, AZ -- Today, U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva, Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, announced legislation that would place a permanent moratorium on new mining claims in the Grand Canyon region. Chair Grijalva’s bill, the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act, will make the 20-year moratorium established in 2012 by then-Interior Secretary Ken Salazar permanent. All told, the legislation would protect approximately one million acres of public lands north and south of the Grand Canyon.
In response, Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter Director Sandy Bahr, released the following statement:
“Mining in the Grand Canyon region is a threat to the people, land, water, and wildlife that make this place so extraordinary. We are thrilled that Rep. Grijalva is putting forth this legislation to permanently limit mining in the Canyon area and we are grateful for his leadership. We urge every Member of Congress and Senator to support this much-needed measure to protect public lands and one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders .”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.