Enchantment State News

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs have jointly reached out to the federal government in a bid to address the longstanding issue of uranium contamination resulting from abandoned mines in their states.

"A new federal, state, and tribal governance structure is needed to bring rapid and transformative changes to communities that have suffered for decades from abandoned uranium mining sites," expressed Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in the letter to Brenda Mallory, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).

The governors emphasized the necessity for a renewed commitment from the federal government to collaborate with Arizona, New Mexico, and tribal communities in addressing the uranium contamination on state and private lands. They proposed the formation of a strategic partnership involving federal, Arizona, and New Mexico decision-makers, along with tribal representatives, to streamline the cleanup efforts currently involving over two dozen federal and state agencies.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, it was noted that there is currently no federal program in place for the cleanup of these abandoned uranium mines, which date back to the 1950s when environmental protections were not as stringent. Governor Lujan Grisham stressed that New Mexico is dedicated to swift decision-making processes while ensuring the safe disposal of the legacy wastes left behind by uranium mining activities.

New Mexico and Arizona collectively have over 650 abandoned uranium mines, with more than 110 located on state and private lands, requiring attention and funding for proper cleanup. New Mexico, in particular, faced a significant radioactive environmental disaster during the 1979 Church Rock uranium mill spill.

In response to the pressing need for transparency, the New Mexico Environment Department, in collaboration with the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, has developed a dashboard to provide the public with information on the reclamation status of former uranium mine and mill sites across the state. This initiative aims to increase visibility on regulatory actions and land ownership details related to these sites.

The joint efforts of Governors Lujan Grisham and Hobbs underscore the critical need for federal assistance in addressing the environmental impact of abandoned uranium mines, emphasizing the importance of collaborative and coordinated actions to ensure the safety and well-being of affected communities.