Biden announcing historic Grand Canyon monument designation during his Arizona visit

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President Joe Biden will officially declare a national monument designation for the greater Grand Canyon during his visit to Arizona on Tuesday. This historic announcement will bring to fruition a long-held dream by Native American tribes and environmentalists to protect the land.

The Democratic President will unveil his plans to designate around 1,562 square miles (4,046 square kilometers) just outside Grand Canyon National Park as a new national monument, confirmed by his national climate adviser, Ali Zaidi. This will be Biden’s fifth monument designation.

Under the Antiquities Act of 1906, Biden will create a national monument named Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni. These words mean “where tribes roam” for the Havasupai people, and “our footprints” for the Hopi tribe.

Arizona’s status as a key battleground state, narrowly won by Biden in 2020, adds political significance to the move. It’s a vital part of his strategy to secure re-election as Arizona is among the few genuinely competitive states.

Later this week, Biden will also visit New Mexico and the Republican stronghold of Utah as part of his western swing. In New Mexico, the Democrats are considered safe for 2024.

Despite campaign politics, the central issue is the effort by tribes and environmentalists to preserve the land surrounding the Grand Canyon National Park. While some highlight the economic benefits of mining, the designation marks a “new era” of collaboration and stewardship with tribes, said U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.

The designation will protect areas vital for indigenous religious ceremonies, hunting, and gathering, including rare resources. It aims to protect significant historical and scientific objects for the benefit of tribes and future generations.

Biden, who arrived at Grand Canyon National Park Airport on Monday, was welcomed by Democratic congressmen Raúl Grijalva and Ruben Gallego. Grijalva has previously championed the creation of the monument.

During his address, Biden will speak near significant locations to the Havasupai and Hopi tribes. Various northern Arizona tribal representatives will attend, including those who are concerned about the effects of uranium mining on the environment.

Existing mining claims won’t be impacted by the designation, and only about 1.3% of the nation’s known uranium reserves are encompassed in the monument site. Despite earlier resistance to such a monument, the political landscape in Arizona has shifted, with current leaders, including Governor Katie Hobbs, supporting the designation.

However, opposition from mining companies and areas that stand to gain economically from mining still exists. The monument proposal has been criticized as politically motivated, with some arguing that it hampers efforts to reduce dependency on foreign uranium.

No active uranium mines are operating in Arizona, although some have been under development. Certain claims may still potentially open due to established rights before 2012.

After his Arizona visit, Biden will continue to Albuquerque on Wednesday to discuss how combating climate change has created jobs. In Salt Lake City on Thursday, he will mark the PACT Act’s first anniversary and hold reelection fundraisers in each city.

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• National Park Service – Grand Canyon
• The Antiquities Act of 1906
• U.S. Department of the Interior
• U.S. Geological Survey – Uranium Resources