Monday, January 09, 2012

Obama Administration Bans New Mining Around Grand Canyon

The Obama administration announced a federal ban Monday on new mining claims affecting a million acres near the Grand Canyon, an area known to be rich in high-grade uranium ore reserves.

In doing so, the administration brushed off pressure from congressional Republicans and mining industry figures who wanted a policy change. 
At an early afternoon event, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced a 20-year ban on new mining claims on public land surrounding the Grand Canyon. Read more at WaPo
Ken Salazar, Interior Secretary, says "conservation is also part of job creation."