Virginia Cramer, virginia.cramer@sierraclub.org, 804-519-8449
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- The Nuclear Fuels Working Group released recommendations today calling for a revival of the uranium industry and increased U.S. exports. The recommendations are the latest proposal in a string of Trump administration rollbacks put forward during the coronavirus pandemic that would create new threats to public health. Though widely opposed, uranium industry bailouts have been floated as part of the country’s COVID-19 response.
If implemented, the proposal could help boost mining at Canyon Mine and further the push for opening up additional lands to the harmful impacts of uranium mining, including those around Grand Canyon.
In response, Sierra Club leaders issued the following statements:
“Many families that are living with uranium mining’s toxic legacy are also right now bearing the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the Navajo Nation. Propping up the already languishing uranium mining industry will inevitably further risk public health. It will also endanger the lands and people of the Grand Canyon region, among others. We must start making decisions now to rebuild our economy in ways that avoid past pitfalls of environmental injustice and degradation,” said Grand Canyon Chapter Director Sandy Bahr.
“The uranium legacy remains heavy on the hearts of communities across the Colorado Plateau and continues to threaten the lives, lungs, and future of places and values across the west. People’s health, the outdoors, and Tribal values all must be prioritized over industry profits. Instead of opening areas like Grand Staircase-Escalante and the Bears Ears region to new mining, we should be setting course to implement strategies rooted in justice that lay a framework for a better future,” said Utah Chapter Director Carly Ferro.
“Right now our leaders should be focused on providing help where it is needed most. The well-being of the public during this crisis must take precedence over any type of bailout for the uranium industry,” said Lena Moffitt, Our Wild America senior campaign director.
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.