Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Utah, Arizona governors divided on Biden’s declaration of Grand Canyon monument | Utah



(The Center Square) Utah’s Republican Governor, Spencer Cox, isn’t proud of President Joe Biden.

Biden proclaimed a brand new monument close to the Grand Canyon, preventing proposed uranium mining within the space. 

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Cox mentioned the Grand Canyon National Monument will likely be unhealthy for American business. “This monument designation is exasperating news, particularly for citizens of Utah alongside the Arizona strip, Cox mentioned in a press unlock.

“As I’ve said many times before, massive, landscape-scale monuments like this are a mistake. These designations increase visitation without providing any additional resources for law enforcement and infrastructure to protect sensitive areas. They also needlessly restrict access to the critical minerals that are key to cell phones, satellites, U.S. defense systems, and so many other American industries. I still believe the only right way to create large new land designations is through Congress in coordination with local leaders and residents, a process that brings all voices to the table and offers the necessary funding.”

The Grand Canyon National Monument will cover nearly one million acres around the national park. The designation will help protect the country’s natural beauty, “assist proper the wrongs of the previous and preserve this land,” Biden said at Red Butte Airfield Tuesday. “America’s herbal wonders are central to our heritage and our id of our country.” 

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Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, also backs the monument designation. She said the designation helps protect the state’s water supply. “Today, we’re celebrating a historic moment for our state, a moment that would not be possible without the tireless advocacy from tribal leaders and communities,” Hobbs said in a news release. “This designation will safeguard one of our most important water supplies, continue to support strong economic activity in communities across our state, and preserve a cultural and natural treasure for future generations.”

Outside of uranium mining, Republicans also noted the land had other economic uses, including cattle grazing; they also argued that people use the land for hunting, fishing and recreation.

“Mohave County does not need this monument,” Arizona House Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci, R-Lake Havasu City, mentioned in a news unlock. Additionally, Republicans argued the transfer violates the Statehood Enabling Act. 

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This article First gave the impression in the center square

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