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Briefing: Grand Canyon, Other Western Treasures Under Threat from 135-Year-Old Mining LawOn August 16th, 2007, representatives of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the Pew Campaign for Responsible Mining discussed findings of a new report that shows that many of the West's special places, including Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and Death Valley, are at new and growing risk as mining claims cluster around their boundaries. As 5 million Americans head to the Grand Canyon for vacations this year, the report shows a skyrocketing number of mining claims next to this and other American icons. The source of the threat is an antiquated federal statute that governs the mining of gold, uranium and other metals and remains fundamentally unchanged since it was signed by Ulysses S. Grant in 1872. The law was written to encourage development of the West by offering special status to those filing mining claims on public lands — and contains no pollution control requirements. High rates of land speculation, enduring toxic waste problems, and reduced access to outdoor recreation have been the result. The tele-briefing provides updates on a new bipartisan effort in Congress to modernize the 1872 mining law, including the legislation's upcoming hearing, set for August 21st.
Participants:
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