The U.S. plans to resume uranium processing, sparking health concerns among the Navajo Nation due to the proposed trucking routes.
Michel Marizco reports for NPR.
In short:
- The U.S.'s only uranium processing plant will receive ore from domestic mines for the first time in 25 years, transported via truck.
- Navajo Nation's President Buu Nygren has proposed regulations to manage these transports, although the tribe lacks jurisdiction over federal roads.
- Health experts and environmental groups express concerns about the potential for toxic dust exposure from improperly sealed trucks.
Why this matters:
Historically, the Navajo Nation has suffered from the consequences of uranium mining, which began in the 1940s and left a legacy of contamination and disease. Residual pollution from these activities has been linked to higher rates of cancer, kidney disease, and other serious health issues among the Navajo people. The fear now is that transporting uranium via these routes could lead to further exposure to radioactive materials.
