The Navajo Nation is testing its legal authority to block uranium transportation on its land, sparking a dispute over tribal and federal jurisdiction.
Felicia Fonseca reports for the Associated Press.
In short:
- The Navajo Nation is taking action to enforce a 2012 tribal law banning uranium transport on its lands, planning to stop trucks on federal highways despite exemptions.
- Energy Fuels Inc. began transporting uranium from Arizona to Utah, claiming safety and legal compliance, but failed to notify the Navajo Nation in advance.
- Uranium mining has a controversial history on Navajo lands, with past operations linked to health and environmental issues, fueling tribal opposition to new developments.
Key quote:
“Tens of thousands of trucks have safely transported uranium ore across northern Arizona since the 1980s with no adverse health or environmental effects.”
— Mark Chalmers, president and CEO of Energy Fuels Inc.
Why this matters:
As the world grapples with its energy future, uranium remains a hot commodity for nuclear power. But for the Navajo, the risk of reliving a radioactive nightmare outweighs the benefits of being a transit point for uranium. Read more: Years after mining stops, uranium's legacy lingers on Native land.
