Court keeps ban on new mining claims around Grand Canyon
Tue., Dec. 12, 2017
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – A U.S. appeals court has kept in place an Obama administration ban on new mining claims around the Grand Canyon.
The decision Tuesday comes as a U.S. House committee hears testimony on access to minerals on public land.
The U.S. Forest Service under President Donald Trump said weeks ago it would review the 20-year ban. The 2012 moratorium covers more than 1 million acres rich in high-grade uranium reserves outside Grand Canyon National Park.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision upholds a lower-court ruling.
The National Mining Association had argued the ban was irresponsible public policy and violated federal laws. A spokesman for the group says it’s disappointed with the ruling and is reviewing its options.
Conservationists say the ban protects water resources.
Local journalism is essential.
Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are not tax deductible, but are predominately used to help meet the local financial requirements needed to receive national matching-grant funds.
Subscribe now to get breaking news alerts in your email inbox
Get breaking news delivered to your inbox as it happens.