Save the Grand Canyon from Toxic Mining

Big victory for the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s natural wonders, from its jagged cliffs to the winding Colorado River that runs through it.

Incredibly, mining companies have staked more than 1,100 claims to mine for uranium right next door to the Grand Canyon. The consequences could be devastating: Toxic uranium mining poses a serious threat of contamination to the park itself, and to the 25 million people who drink water from the Colorado River.

After 300,000 speak out, Obama administration puts more than 1 million acres around the Grand Canyon off-limits to new mining

Our staff, members and supporters played an important role in banning new minning claims near the Grand Canyon. When we alerted our online activist network to the threat, people sprang into action. We helped mobilize more than 300,000 Americans to demand stronger protections for the canyon. 

In July, Anna Aurilio, director of our Washington office, released a report on the risks of mining near the canyon. Grand Canyon At Risk exposed the devastating legacy of mining near the canyon and throughout the west, including here in Colorado. 

For example, residents of Lincoln Park, a small community near a uranium mill, have had to stop drinking well water because of contamination from the mill’s old tailings pools. Residents have suffered health consequences from uranium and other toxic substances in their water.

With your activism and our advocacy, we can keep protecting the Grand Canyon and our drinking water

Your activism and our advocacy are a powerful combination. Thanks in part to our efforts, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar put 1 million acres around the park off limits to mining for 20 years. 

But mining companies and their allies in Congress haven’t given up the fight — and neither can we.

Some lawmakers in Wasington, D.C., are backing a bill that would prevent the administration from protecting the Grand Canyon. We need you to get involved if we’re going to defend the Canyon once and for all. 

If enough of us speak out, we can ensure the Grand Canyon stays protected.