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Dozens of uranium mines sit idle, but not appropriately shut down or reclaimed, across the West, leaving communities with the damaging radioactive legacy. According to the Center for Public Integrity, uranium and coal companies have long abused lax state and federal regulations to idle mines that will likely never produce again without cleaning them up.
Two hours west of Albuquerque, the Mount Taylor uranium mine last produced ore and was allowed to flood in 1990, and was granted its first standby permit in 1999. With its 20 years of maximum inactivity about to expire, mine owners recently told state regulators it would re-enter active status, but require at least eight years to get there, buying more time to avoid reclamation costs. Similar examples are readily available in nearby states, including Colorado and Utah.
Uranium mining has left a toxic wake across the Four Corners region. Communities near mines face increased incidences of cancer, kidney disease, and respiratory issues. Thompson Bell, a Navajo Nation resident and former uranium mine mechanic noted, "The thing about uranium, we found out: It destroys humans and land."
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Mr. Pendley is not someone who should be entrusted with the management of our public estate. The fox has taken control of the hen house, and he is poised to systematically dismantle the very resources he is charged with overseeing.”
