"Groups Push for New Federal Mining Rules"

"A coalition of environmental groups and Native American tribes is asking officials to overhaul federal mining standards ahead of new uranium mining near the Grand Canyon.

The groups, a collection that includes local tribes and conservation organizations like the Grand Canyon Trust, petitioned four agency heads on Tuesday asking for changes to rules governing mining on federal lands.

The request comes months after a federal judge cleared an energy company to begin mining for uranium near the Grand Canyon in Arizona years after the company abandoned its original mining plans there. The groups warned that such 'zombie mines' — those re-opened after periods of inactivity — could have a negative impact on public health or the environment."

Devin Henry reports for The Hill August 25, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"Petition Seeks New Mining Regulations To Prevent Future Disasters Like the Animas River Spill" (Summit County Citizens Voice)