Plan would end research on uranium mining

Scientists seek to study Grand Canyon claims

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — U.S. scientists studying the effects of uranium mining around the Grand Canyon say they are lacking information on whether the radioactive element is hurting plants, animals and a water source for more than 30 million people.

And they would not get to fully gather it if President Donald Trump’s 2019 budget proposal is approved.

The U.S. Geological Survey is leading a 15-year study meant to determine whether a 1 million-acre area surrounding the national park needs protection from new uranium mining claims well into the future.

Now, no one can stake claims until 2032, though a portion of that Obama-era ban is under review by the Trump administration.

The agency says it’s received far less for its study than what’s needed so far and would be left with nothing under Trump’s plan, which eliminates the money in favor of other priorities.

“We love to provide information,” Geological Survey hydrologist Fred Tillman said. “If you don’t get the funding to do it, you simply can’t do the studies.”

Former President Barack Obama’s administration implemented the ban in 2012 as uranium prices soared and a flurry of new mining claims came pouring in. It faced a backlash from Republicans, who touted improved mining techniques and lamented job loss in a remote area.

Without the study to document the effects of mining, some fear industry supporters would point to a lack of evidence of environmental harm to reopen the area to mining.

A federal appeals court recently upheld the ban, but the U.S. Forest Service is reviewing whether it’s necessary on 360,000 acres it manages.

It follows an order by Trump to identify regulations that stand in the way of energy production.