Interior Secretary To Finalize Uranium Ban Near Grand Canyon

The Interior Secretary is expected to finalize Monday a 20-year ban on new uranium mining claims on land surrounding Grand Canyon National Park. In recent years, uranium mining companies have staked thousands of claims near the park. Those companies say the technology they use protects the watershed. But the federal government temporarily banned uranium extraction on a million acres surrounding the park so it could study just how much impact mining has on the environment and the economy. The Department of Interior has taken all the steps necessary to put the long term ban in place, called a "record of decision." The uranium industry is expected to appeal the decision...more