Mayes and Hobbs Clash Over Uranium Mine Safety Concerns

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is pressing the U.S. Forest Service to conduct an environmental impact study of the Pinyon Plain Mine in northern Arizona. This request arises amid reassurances from Gov. Katie Hobbs’ office that the mine is safe and regularly inspected by state authorities.

In a letter dated August 13, Mayes voiced concerns regarding the mine’s potential impact on the water supply for nearby tribal communities. She pointed out that the Forest Service has not performed an environmental review of the mine in 38 years, stating that the original review lacks an accurate understanding of current risks.

Uranium mining at Pinyon Plain resumed in December, fueled by a rise in mineral prices after decades of dormancy. Environmental groups and Indigenous rights advocates have raised alarms about potential threats to local water resources, communities, and historical sites.

“The risks are too great to ignore, and the consequences of inaction could be devastating for this region’s people, wildlife, and cultural heritage,” Mayes said in her statement.

The mine’s proximity to the Grand Canyon and the newly designated Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument adds to the concern. In June, groups including the Havasupai Tribe petitioned Gov. Hobbs to shut down the mining operations.

In defense, a spokesperson for Energy Fuels Resources Inc., which operates the mine, asserted that the original environmental impact study had been reaffirmed in 2012 and upheld in legal challenges. “Energy Fuels continues to comply with all current approvals, regulations, and science to ensure protection of human health and the environment,” the spokesperson stated. Moreover, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality concluded in 2022 that the mine would not impact local groundwater.

According to the Governor’s Office, Pinyon Plain is one of the most regulated mines in the U.S., undergoing routine inspections by the ADEQ.

Recently, Energy Fuels Resources faced backlash from the Navajo Nation for transporting uranium through their land without prior notice. The company committed to improving communication regarding such operations. Gov. Hobbs has facilitated a pause in uranium hauling to allow discussions between the company and Navajo officials, although hauling may resume at any time, as indicated by the company.

In late July, Mayes commented on the uranium transport issue, indicating her office was exploring options to address safety concerns alongside those highlighted in her letter to the Forest Service. This reflects an ongoing divergence between the governor and attorney general, who previously clashed over the use of opioid settlement funds.

A representative from Mayes’ office noted there had been limited communication between the Attorney General’s Office and the Governor’s Office regarding the environmental impact study. As of now, there has been no immediate response from Hobbs’ communications director concerning Mayes’ letter.