Maryland's Low Ratings Result of Pro-Environmental Legislature
Congress halts mining near Grand Canyon
By DINA CAPPIELLO
WASHINGTON (AP) — One million acres of public land around the Grand Canyon would be off limits to any new mining for three years under an emergency resolution adopted by a House committee.
The House Natural Resources Committee voted 20-2 Wednesday to compel the Interior Department to withdraw the property from any new mining claims. Supporters of the measure said a rush of claims to mine the area for uranium to feed nuclear power plants threatened the natural landscape that lures five million visitors to the park each year. The mining could also taint the Colorado River, a drinking water source for millions.
Republicans said mining is not a threat and walked out in protest before the vote. The committee vote is all that is needed to stop new mining claims.
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