After President Barack Obama approved the creation of new monuments this week in Utah and Nevada, supporters Grand Canyon National Heritage Monument are staying positive.
Advocates have been working to approve the 1.7 million acre monument for more than year.
Sandy Bahr with the Sierra Club said even with two weeks left in his presidency, President Obama still has enough time to add to his legacy.
“It’s something he can still do, and considering we’re talking about — you know — it’s surrounding the seven natural wonders of the world, it’s something that is definitely warranted,” she said.
Republican lawmakers have continued to fight the proposal. In a letter sent to the President Thursday, Gov. Doug Ducey said he would take every step necessary — “legally and legislatively” — to stop it.
The proposed area also includes 1 million acres rich in uranium ore. Currently new mining claims are banned through 2032. A monument proposal would make that ban permanent.
