Land Battle: Administration To Unlock Uranium Near Utah & Nevada

The western part of the United States is rich with mineral deposits. Accessing these deposits through mining has become more controversial over the years. A huge uranium deposit near Southern Utah sits squarely in this debate. 

Baaj Nwaavjo l’tah Kukveni National Monument 

In 2023 the Biden Administration declared a new monument near the Grand Canyon that has a name most people can’t pronounce.  While reserving land sacred to several Tribal Nations, it also served to lock up uranium reserves located there.  

The new Interior Secretary under President Trump has now ordered a review of mineral withdrawals in this and other National Monuments. Those who cheered the new monument are now alarmed that mining will be allowed in the future. 

How that may look is still a while from being decided. Uranium is mostly used in the nuclear power industry that has taken a back seat to other forms of power generation like solar and wind. 

Who Should Be in Charge of New National Monuments? 

With the recent changes in administrations and the boundaries of national monuments changing like a rubber band, a new bill has been introduced in congress that would end the ability of future presidents to make new monuments. 

If the bill were to pass it would give congress the responsibility which would offer a chance to debate the merits of new monuments. Proponents say this would be more democratic and let everyone have a say. 

Read More: Zion Canyon Is About to Get More Crowded In A Good Way

With so much federal land set aside in Utah, all of these decisions will impact the people living here.