Governor Hobbs Announces Temporary Pause on Uranium Transport Through Tribal Lands

Governor Hobbs announced a temporary halt to uranium ore transport through Navajo Nation lands, committing to ongoing negotiationsPhoto byStéphane PaulonUnsplash

PHOENIX - Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced a temporary halt to the transport of uranium ore through Navajo Nation lands, following a conversation with Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren.

The transport vehicles, operated by Energy Fuels Inc. (EFRI), traveled across U.S. Highway 89 and U.S. Highway 160 through Coconino County and Navajo Nation, en route to a mill near Blanding, Utah.

Hobbs addressed the situation in a statement today, announcing that her administration has secured a temporary pause on the transport of uranium ore.

“As of Tuesday night, my administration worked with EFRI to voluntarily agree to pause ore shipments through Navajo lands to give both sides an opportunity to engage in good faith negotiations. I have also instructed DEMA to partner with tribal law enforcement and assist the Navajo Nation’s emergency management team in developing an emergency response plan in the event of a road incident. Additionally, my administration has asked EFRI, and they have agreed to engage in ongoing discussions with stakeholders regarding safety concerns surrounding Pinyon Plain Mine and uranium ore transport. My hope is that these steps, and good faith negotiations between both parties during the temporary pause, will bring an acceptable solution.

“I recognize the fraught history of uranium mining and the devastating impacts it has historically had on tribal nations. That’s why I have called on the federal government to remediate sites and invest in the cleanup of contaminated state and tribal lands. I also strongly support extending and expanding the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to provide assistance to those affected by uranium mining and nuclear testing. As I always have, I will continue to be an advocate for every Arizonan and protect the safety and well-being of our communities.”