Washington, D.C. and Phoenix, AZ — In anticipation of the House Natural Resources Committee’s expected votes today to permanently protect the area surrounding the Grand Canyon from mining (H.R. 1373), permanently protect the landscape surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park from drilling (H.R.2181), and remove uranium from the Trump administration’s list of “critical minerals” (H.R.3405), Chispa Arizona and the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) issued the following statements:

“We applaud Chairman Grijalva for his ongoing leadership in the fight to protect one of Arizona’s greatest treasures and iconic symbols, the Grand Canyon,” said Gloria Montaño, Advocacy Director, Chispa Arizona. “Today’s vote will continue the work of centuries, led by indigenous communities, to protect these sacred lands. The Canyon is essential to Arizonans and all in this country, we must all commit to protecting the canyon and the areas surrounding this global wonder for the future of our environment, the preservation of our cultural heritage and the wellbeing of our communities. We are proud of Chairman Grijalva’s leadership on this legislation, and we call upon the entire delegation to support passage of HR 1373, the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act.”

“These bills are further proof that the new House majority is taking seriously the moral responsibility to safeguard America’s majestic public lands and rich history for the benefit of communities and tribes, not big polluters,” said Alex Taurel, LCV Conservation Program Director. “We commend Chairman Grijalva, Rep. Lujan, and the other supporters of these pieces of legislation. The Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act is critical to protecting the Grand Canyon from the ongoing threat of toxic mining. The Chaco landscape deserves permanent protection from the Trump administration’s threats to allow drilling — it contains a multitude of historical sites that are culturally important to tribes. And uranium mining has left a toxic legacy across the southwest, which means the mining industry should not be allowed to cut corners for activity that continues to threaten the drinking water and lands of communities and tribes.”

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