Arizona Governor Halts Uranium Transport Through Navajo Nation Amid Safety Concerns
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced that Energy Fuels Resources Inc. (EFRI) has agreed to halt the transportation of uranium ore through Navajo Nation lands. This decision follows an executive order issued by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, which mandates that transportation of radioactive materials through tribal lands must be pre-approved by the tribe.
The executive order, effective for six months starting July 31, was put in place to ensure safety and uphold the Navajo Nation’s sovereignty. Governor Hobbs, in a statement released on Friday, confirmed that she had discussed the issue with President Nygren and expressed her commitment to collaborating with the Navajo Nation on this matter.
“Following our discussions, my administration worked with EFRI to voluntarily pause ore shipments through Navajo lands to allow time for good faith negotiations between both parties,” Hobbs said. “Additionally, I have directed the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) to work with tribal law enforcement and the Navajo Nation’s emergency management team to develop an emergency response plan for potential road incidents.”
EFRI has also agreed to engage in discussions with stakeholders regarding safety concerns related to the Pinyon Plain Mine and the transportation of uranium ore.
Hobbs emphasized her awareness of the historical impact of uranium mining on tribal nations and reiterated her support for federal remediation efforts. She has called for the expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to aid those affected by uranium mining and nuclear testing.
The Navajo Nation, spanning northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Utah, has a history of uranium contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency reports over 500 abandoned uranium mines on or near Navajo lands, with homes and water sources showing elevated radiation levels. Health risks include lung cancer, bone cancer, and impaired kidney function.
President Nygren’s executive order aims to protect the Navajo people and reinforce tribal sovereignty, referencing existing laws such as the Navajo Nation Natural Resources Protection Act of 2005 and the 2012 Radioactive and Related Substances, Equipment, Vehicles, Persons, and Materials Transportation Act.
On July 30, EFRI transported approximately 50 tons of uranium ore through tribal lands without notifying Navajo Nation officials, leading to the enforcement of the new order. Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch stressed that entities entering Navajo territory must adhere to Navajo laws, particularly concerning sensitive materials like uranium.
