President Biden to Establish New National Monument near Grand Canyon

The designation of this new national monument is a crucial part of President Biden's climate and conservation agenda. It recognizes the importance of collaboration with tribes and aims to address the history of dispossession and exclusion of Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples in the area.

The Interior Department had previously enacted a 20-year moratorium on new mining claims around the national park in 2012 due to concerns over water contamination. However, existing mining claims and approved mining operations within the boundaries of the new monument will not be restricted.

While the establishment of this national monument has received support from Arizona's political delegation, including Governor Katie Hobbs and Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, there are opponents who raise concerns about potential negative impacts. Some argue that the monument won't effectively combat drought and could prevent necessary forest thinning. Additionally, concerns have been raised that ranchers may be stripped of privately owned land.

Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni will be the fifth new national monument created by President Biden. This monument not only aims to protect sacred land and prevent uranium mining but also contributes to the broader goal of strengthening climate resilience. In line with this, President Biden will also announce $44 million in funding to enhance climate resilience in national parks across the country.