Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 20, 2011

CONTACT: Hannah Loy 202-225-2315

Congressman Gosar to Obama Administration:  Withdrawal of Uranium-rich Lands in Northern Arizona Would Stifle Economic Growth and Threaten U.S. National Security

Flagstaff, Arizona:  U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01)issued the following statement in response to the Interior Secretary Kenneth L. Salazar’s announcement today that he will extend the moratorium on new uranium mining claims on 1 million acres of public lands surrounding the Grand Canyon for six months and direct the Director of the Bureau of Land Management Bob Abbey to identify the long-term 1 million acre withdrawal as the preferred alternative:

If the Administration locks up 1 million acres of public lands in Northern Arizona for the long-term, this short sighted decision would undermine U.S. energy independence and the economic well being of communities in my district for generations.  The region is plagued by high unemployment and this proposed withdrawal would eliminate over $30 billion dollars of American economic growth opportunities and thousands of potential jobs for the surrounding communities. 

Right now America imports 90% of its uranium for the 104 operational nuclear reactors in the country.  The President and leaders from both political parties have affirmed that the expansion of nuclear power generation is a vital component of the U.S. long-term energy plan and is essential to increased green energy production. The uranium found in these areas represents some of the best high grade ore bodies in the world and it is important the U.S. uses domestic resources to meet this growing demand.

It is important to note, the lack of a land withdrawal would not lead to unrestricted mineral entry throughout the region.  Each individual project would still have to comply with all federal and state laws, rules and regulations and the environmental impact on the Grand Canyon National Park would be thoroughly scrutinized.  However, the implementation of this withdrawal makes it certain none of the economic potential in the area will be realized.  I strongly believe cautious development with strong oversight under federal statue strikes the careful balance between economic activity and environmental protection and thus oppose the proposed arbitrary withdrawal.

In the 1980’s, former Arizona Congressman Morris Udall, now-Senator John McCain, and other Congressional leaders negotiated a compromise with the uranium mining industry, native Americans, environmentalists, livestock and other stakeholder groups which formed the basis for designating Arizona’s first wilderness areas as buffer zones around the Grand Canyon National Park.  The withdrawal area being considered by the Department of Interior was specifically identified for uranium mining and was opened up for economic activity as part of that negotiated agreement.

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