An increase in activity at the Pinyon Plain uranium mine has conservationists concerned that the site could begin production soon.
Although that’s not likely to happen, time is running out for a bill that would stop other mines in the Grand Canyon region.
The Pinyon Plain Mine has withstood several legal challenges over the years, including a series of lawsuits by the Havasupai Tribe, which is concerned the mine could threaten its water supply.
Conservationists worry that without congressional action, other mines could go up in the region.
A bill to stop uranium mining in the area has passed the House but not the Senate, and the current congressional session ends soon.
Amber Reimondo is with the Grand Canyon Trust, said the bill has enjoyed bipartisan support in polls.
“The support amongst voters is clear across political identities, and so, it’s just clear to us that the Grand Canyon Protection Act should pass, and we hope that our senators here in Arizona and the Senate as a whole can get it done,” Reimondo said.
A spokesman for Energy Fuels said that although the company wants to hire more workers at Pinyon Plain, it has not made a decision on when it will begin ore production.