Biden to announce historic Grand Canyon monument designation during Arizona visit

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During his visit to Arizona on Tuesday, President Joe Biden will officially announce the designation of a national monument in the area surrounding the Grand Canyon. This decision will fulfill the long-standing wish of Native American tribes and environmental advocates to conserve this land.

The president’s intention to establish a new national monument encompassing approximately 1,562 square miles (4,046 square kilometers) adjacent to the Grand Canyon National Park was confirmed by National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. This will be the fifth monument designation of Biden’s presidency.

On his arrival on Monday night at Grand Canyon National Park Airport, Biden was welcomed by Democratic Representatives Raúl Grijalva and Ruben Gallego. The three engaged in friendly conversation, and Biden hugged them as he exited Air Force One. Grijalva, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, has repeatedly sponsored legislation for creating the monument.

Biden’s speech will be given near the Pinyon Plain Mine, a development yet to be opened, and Red Butte, a location that holds cultural significance for the Havasupai and Hopi tribes.

Leaders from several northern Arizona tribes will be present to hear the president’s remarks. The group includes Yavapai-Apache Nation Chairwoman Tanya Lewis, Colorado River Indian Tribes Chairwoman Amelia Flores, Navajo President Buu Nygren, and Havasupai Tribal Councilwoman Dianna Sue White Dove Uqualla. Uqualla is among tribal dancers who will perform a blessing ceremony.

Concerns about the effects of uranium on the environment have driven tribes in Arizona to press Biden to establish a new national monument called Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni, translating to “where tribes roam” for the Havasupai and “our footprints” for the Hopi.

Efforts to protect the land around the Grand Canyon have persisted for years, faced with opposition from Republican politicians and the mining industry, who emphasize the economic and national security benefits of mining. A moratorium on new mining claims was enacted in 2012, and research in 2021 showed that most water sources in the area met federal drinking standards.

A previous attempt at monument designation was withdrawn by President Obama in 2017 due to resistance from local Republicans. Opponents have raised various concerns, including potential impacts on drought management, forest thinning, hunting, and private land ownership.

However, the political climate in Arizona has since shifted, with key figures, including Gov. Katie Hobbs and Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, expressing support for the monument. Mining companies and benefiting regions continue to oppose the plan, with Mohave County Supervisor Buster Johnson labeling it politically motivated.

The designation does not necessarily halt all mining activities in the area. Some existing mines may still potentially open, as their claims were established before the 2012 mining claims withdrawal.

After his visit to Arizona, President Biden’s agenda includes stops in Albuquerque on Wednesday to discuss climate change’s role in job creation and in Salt Lake City on Thursday to commemorate the first anniversary of the PACT Act, providing benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances. He will also attend reelection fundraisers in both cities.

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