LOGIN

Biden to announce historic Grand Canyon monument designation during Arizona visit

by Joshua Brown
6 comments
​

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A previous attempt at monument designation was withdrawn by President Obama in 2017 due to resistance from local Republicans.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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: national monument

What will President Biden announce during his visit to Arizona?

President Biden will officially announce the designation of a national monument in the area surrounding the Grand Canyon. This action is in line with the wishes of Native American tribes and environmentalists to preserve the land.

Where is the new national monument being designated?

The new national monument will encompass approximately 1,562 square miles (4,046 square kilometers) adjacent to Grand Canyon National Park.

Who has been pushing for this national monument designation?

Native American tribes in Arizona and environmental advocates have been pushing for the designation for decades, seeking to conserve the land and protect it from uranium mining.

What does the name of the new national monument mean?

The proposed name for the new national monument is Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni, which translates to “where tribes roam” for the Havasupai people and “our footprints” for the Hopi tribe.

What are the arguments against the monument designation?

Opponents, including Republican lawmakers and mining industry representatives, have argued against the monument designation, citing concerns over economic benefits, national security, impacts on drought management, forest thinning, hunting, and private land ownership.

Will the monument designation stop all mining in the area?

No, the monument designation does not necessarily halt all mining activities. Existing mines with claims established before the 2012 mining claims withdrawal may still potentially open.

What are the next stops on President Biden’s agenda after Arizona?

After Arizona, President Biden will visit Albuquerque to talk about climate change and job creation, then Salt Lake City to mark the first anniversary of the PACT Act, and he will also attend reelection fundraisers in both cities.

You may also like

6 comments

LisaHarris August 8, 2023 - 8:06 pm

Can’t believe its taken so long for this to happen. our planet needs to be cared for, and this is a step in the right direction.

Reply
MeganLouise August 8, 2023 - 8:30 pm

Finally! have been waiting for this news for years. Its about time to protect the land and the native cultures.

Reply
SarahM91 August 8, 2023 - 10:33 pm

the monument sounds beautiful. hope to visit some day, good job biden!

Reply
TomJr August 8, 2023 - 11:28 pm

What’s with these monuments, we have enough already. what about the ranchers and miners, Dont they have rights to

Reply
Kevin_R August 9, 2023 - 1:08 am

Why they focusing on this when we need to be energy independent? Don’t get why mining’s always the bad guy!

Reply
James T August 9, 2023 - 1:15 am

So glad they’re finally making this move! Our natural heritage needs protection. Anyone knows what tribes will be there?

Reply

Leave a Comment

BNB – Big Big News is a news portal that offers the latest news from around the world. BNB – Big Big News focuses on providing readers with the most up-to-date information from the U.S. and abroad, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and more.

Editors' Picks

Latest News