New uranium mines spark controversy in Arizona and Utah

In a contentious move, uranium mining resumes near Grand Canyon amid environmental concerns.

Wyatt Myskow reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • Three uranium mines have started operations along the Arizona-Utah border, marking the first in the U.S. in eight years, driven by rising uranium prices and a global shift toward nuclear energy.
  • The mines face strong opposition from tribes and environmentalists, concerned about long-term impacts on water quality, health, and culturally sensitive lands.
  • Despite market demand, experts question the viability of nuclear energy in the clean energy transition, citing high costs and limited processing facilities in the U.S.

Key quote:

"The Pinyon Plain Mine impacts cultural resources. It impacts water resources. And it impacts one of the wonders of the world. It’s just a place that seems common sense that you wouldn’t want to put a uranium mine, yet here we are."

— Amber Reimondo, energy director with the Grand Canyon Trust

Visit EHN's energy section for more top news about energy, climate and health.

A semi truck hauling a large gas container

Industrial gas giants quietly outpace tech and oil companies in power use and emissions

Companies producing everyday gases like nitrogen and oxygen are among the world’s largest electricity consumers, responsible for 2% of carbon emissions in China and the U.S. Despite their massive climate footprint, firms such as Linde, Air Liquide, and Air Products have largely escaped public scrutiny.

Canadian parliament building with a Canadian flag waving above it on a dark night

How Carney’s first budget impacts the environment

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s budget scales back rules around greenwashing, and hints an oil and gas emissions cap is unlikely. But it introduces a youth climate corps and renews efforts to lift boil-water advisories

A solar panel at sunset with wind turbines in the distance

$10 trillion in green investments counter Trump’s climate backlash

The landmark Paris Agreement triggered a wave of climate commitments. A decade later, Bloomberg examined seven key categories to chart progress amid a new era of attacks on global warming science and action.
man wearing black t-shirt close-up photography raising his hand in a college classroom

Climate change ‘is the new liberal arts’: Colleges build environmental lessons into degrees

The University of California, San Diego, is among a growing number of colleges requiring all undergraduates to take courses on climate change, reflecting a shift in higher education toward preparing students in every field to understand and respond to the global climate crisis.

The tip of a spit of land with aqua water surrounding it

Ethanol plant spills harmful wastewater into Philippine marine reserve

A collapsed wastewater pond at a Philippine ethanol distillery released millions of gallons of chemical-laden water into Bais Bay, endangering marine life in the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape and disrupting livelihoods across nearby fishing communities.

Typhoon victims wade through floodwaters in storm aftermath
Credit: Photo by Misbahul Aulia on Unsplash

Typhoon Kalmaegi leaves dozens dead in central Philippines

Typhoon Kalmaegi has left at least 66 people dead and 26 missing in the central Philippines. Many were trapped on roofs or swept away by floods in Cebu, which was hit hard on Tuesday.
Ships in port with refinery and pollution-belching smokestack in background
Credit: Photo by Chris LeBoutillier on Unsplash

The global race to slash emissions — in nine charts

The pressure is on for leaders attending the 30th UN Climate Change Conference to prevent global warming from accelerating further. Where are countries making strides?
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.