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.

insideclimatenews.org

New uranium mines spark controversy in Arizona and Utah

Colorado bill would require safety plans to protect workers from extreme temperatures

How the meat industry is quietly keeping its emissions off the climate agenda

A shrinking Colorado River is forcing farms to change

The war with Iran is already about energy

Spiking gas prices spark consumer interest in electric vehicles

Trump’s energy ‘tiger team’ struggles to find its roar with Iran

London, San Francisco and Beijing achieve ‘remarkable reductions’ in air pollution

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.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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

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

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.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

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