On August 25, Chairman for the House Committee on Natural Resources, Bruce Westerman, issued a statement in opposition of President Biden's newest National Monument designation in Arizona, stating the designation blocks the establishment of valuable uranium mining operation, recreation, livestock grazing, and timber harvesting.
"The most recent announcement, the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument in northern Arizona, takes Democrats’ radical eco-agenda a step too far," Chairman Westerman wrote. "Not only does it lock away the land, but it also prevents future mineral development from America's richest and highest-grade uranium deposit. Unable to mine and refine this uranium, the Biden administration has increased America's reliance on uranium from foreign adversaries, most notably Russia."
According to Chairman Westerman, President Biden's actions have locked up America's resources, which has made states such as Minnesota, Colorado, and Arizona "victims" of the Biden Administration's "war on the American economy, mining sector, and local workers". Westerman stated nearly 20% of electricity generated in the country is from nuclear power and is the largest zero-emission energy source in America, accounting for more energy production than wind, solar, and hydropower combined. The designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument pushes America "further and further over the line of dependency", according to Westerman.
"By leaving us at the mercy of foreign adversaries to meet our energy needs, President Biden is leading the country away from energy independence and toward decades of dependence," said Chairman Westerman. "President Biden's actions are especially egregious because they increase the vulnerability of America's current, and future, nuclear power plants that rely on uranium to produce zero-emissions energy."
Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, proponents of the President's designation, applauded the decision, citing the decades of efforts from Tribal Nations, state and local officials, conservationists, outdoor recreation advocates, local business owners, and members of Congress to protect "an area considered sacred by many Tribal Nations in the Southwest". According to the DOI, the designation will support a wide range of recreation opportunities such as hiking, hunting, and camping. The DOI also supported the permanent protection of "objects of historic and scientific interests" located on the land.
"[August 8th]'s action by President Biden makes clear that Native American history is American history," Haaland said. "This land is sacred to the many Tribal Nations who have long advocated for its protection, and establishing a national monument demonstrates the importance of recognizing the original stewards of our public lands. Indigenous Knowledge is a core piece of what we mean when we talk about collaborative conservation."
According to the DOI, the President's designation takes into consideration legally-established rights and would not impede the progress of legitimate, pre-existing mining claims. It does not serve as a barrier to the establishment and upkeep of vital utilities, pipelines, telecommunications infrastructure, roadways, highway routes, or water systems. This also encompasses the development of wildlife water sources and facilities for water districts, all of which should be carried out in alignment with the responsible stewardship and oversight of monument features. The designation maintains the original boundaries of Tribal Nations' jurisdiction and equally respects the State of Arizona's authority concerning the management of hunting and fishing activities within the designated monument area.
