BY CHARLES D. BRUNT
Several environmental groups and more than 100 small businesses statewide have signed letters urging President Obama to halt future uranium mining on federal lands abutting Grand Canyon National Park to lessen the potential for contamination of nearby waters and damage to public lands.
And they are calling for Obama – using his powers under the Antiquities Act – to quickly create the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument.
“This year, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the national parks, there is not a better time for President Obama to permanently protect the Grand Canyon,” Hannah Perkins, project organizer for Environment New Mexico, said Tuesday during at a news conference at Outdoor ReGear, a local consignment shop for outdoor gear and clothing.
“The Grand Canyon is one of the most amazing places in the world. But without action to stop it, toxic mining could ruin this area for future generations,” she said.