I thank U.S. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) and Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ), as well as Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), for sponsoring legislation in Congress to prioritize the cleanup of abandoned mine sites across the U.S.
These congressional efforts, through the U.S. EPA’s newly created Office of Mountains, Deserts and Plains (OMDP), align with the values of the Nygren Administration to clean up abandoned mine sites, including in the Black Mesa region of the Navajo Nation, with our Navajo Nation EPA.
“This bipartisan and bicameral measure strengthens cleanup efforts and oversight,” said Rep. Crane in a social media post.
This federal proposal, when it becomes law, encourages the U.S. EPA to prioritize responsible mine cleanup in Arizona over green initiatives, ensure proper congressional oversight of progress, bolster the OMDP outreach to ensure local/tribal authorities have a seat at the table on cleanup projects that impact their health and environment and provide guardrails to keep the office’s efforts focused on mine cleanup.
Ahéhee’ Reps. Crane and Stanton, and Sens. Kelly and Lummis, for your efforts to create healthy communities, including the Navajo Nation!
-Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren
