Legislation that would ban uranium mining near the Grand Canyon will go before a Senate committee Thursday.
But the bill’s fate is still up in the air.
Polls show that a majority of Arizona residents oppose uranium mining near the Grand Canyon.
A ban on new mines took effect in 2012, and Congressman Raúl Grijalva has introduced a bill that would make it permanent.
The legislation will go before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for amendments.
Backers say that’s as far as the bill has ever gone in the Senate. Travis Bruner is with the Grand Canyon Trust.
“I do think there is a very good chance that this will be the time that the Grand Canyon Protection Act passes, and that we finally get a permanent uranium mining ban at Grand Canyon," Bruner said.
The bill has the backing of Arizona’s senators but could face opposition from Republicans lawmakers.
