water justice
A uranium mine threatens the Havasupai Tribe's sole water source
A uranium mine near the Grand Canyon risks contaminating the Havasupai Tribe’s only water source, sparking fears for their health and safety.
In short:
- The Pinyon Plain Mine, located near the Grand Canyon, sits atop an aquifer that provides the Havasupai Tribe's only drinking water.
- A new study challenges the safety assessments of the mine, suggesting the rock layers could allow uranium to contaminate the tribe's water.
- The Havasupai Tribe and environmentalists are fighting the mine, fearing irreversible damage to their sacred land and water supply.
Key quote:
“Once it goes into our village, we will get sick. I question to these mining people: ‘Are you going to take accountability to pay for my people’s hospitalizations?’”
— Dianna Sue White Dove Uqualla, Havasupai elder
Why this matters:
The potential contamination of the Havasupai’s water source exemplifies the dilemma we face over prioritizing resource extraction in the face of growing environmental pressures. If the lifeblood of the Havasupai is tainted, it would be a blow not only to their survival but to the integrity of the Grand Canyon itself. Read more: Protecting Indigenous children means protecting water.
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Nuns push Wall Street for environmental justice through shareholder advocacy
Faith-based advocates urge Citibank to respect Indigenous rights.
In short:
- Sister Susan Francois emphasized the Catholic Church's historical role in colonization while advocating for Indigenous rights at Citibank's shareholder meeting.
- Despite the failure of their resolution for the third year, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace plan to continue their advocacy against financing harmful fossil fuel projects.
- Citibank's recent report on Indigenous peoples' rights was criticized for not meeting international standards, highlighting ongoing concerns over corporate responsibility.
Key quote:
“This is a clear message to the bank that human rights violations are bad for business.”
— Sister Susan Francois, Treasurer of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace
Why this matters:
The nuns’ persistent advocacy reinforces the role of ethical investing in combating climate change and supporting Indigenous communities. Read more: What would a just energy transition look like for US tribes?
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Utah legislature takes aim at rights of nature movement
Nonhuman entities like corporations and municipalities have long had “legal personhood” in U.S. law. Now, Utah lawmakers want to prevent lakes, forests and other parts of nature from having the same legal status.
Indiana’s plan to pipe in groundwater for microchip-making draws fire
The state is courting high-tech investments, but a new industrial park may lack enough water. Opponents say piping it from miles away might dry out residential wells.
The future of the Colorado River hinges on one young negotiator
J.B. Hamby, California’s representative in talks about sharing water from the Colorado River, holds the keys to a quarter of the river’s flow — and its future.
The water wars deciding the future of the West
From conservation to importing water from the Pacific, Democrats say they have all the answers to historic drought. The one thing no one wants to talk about: stopping the sprawl.
Native lands lack clean water protections, but more tribes are taking charge
Some tribes have passed ordinances to regulate polluters, others have sought authority under federal law to establish water quality standards
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