President Biden Signs National Monument Designation for Greater Grand Canyon, Fulfilling Tribes’ Visions and Environmentalists’ Demands
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) — President Joe Biden signed a national monument designation for the greater Grand Canyon on Tuesday, fulfilling the long-held aspirations of Native American tribes and environmentalists. The designation will preserve approximately 1,562 square miles of land located to the north and south of Grand Canyon National Park. The area consists of canyons, plateaus, and tributaries that support various plants and wildlife, including bison, elk, desert bighorn sheep, and rare cactus species. This marks President Biden’s fifth national monument designation.
The president’s decision comes amid his three-state Western trip and serves as a significant step in combating climate change. President Biden tied the designation to his administration’s broader efforts to address the effects of extreme heat and promote environmental protection. He emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of preserving the Grand Canyon region, stating that it is “good for Arizona and the planet.”
Native American tribes in Arizona, especially the Havasupai and Hopi tribes, have long advocated for the national monument designation. The tribes’ proposed name for the monument, Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni, translates to “where tribes roam” and “our footprints” respectively. By establishing the monument, President Biden aims to fulfill the federal government’s treaty obligations to Native American tribes and rectify past mistreatment.
During the signing ceremony, President Biden criticized those who oppose efforts to promote green energy and expand federal environmental protections, specifically referencing supporters of former President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement. He spoke near Red Butte, a site culturally significant to the Havasupai and Hopi tribes, surrounded by attendees dressed in traditional Native American attire.
The designation of the national monument is politically significant, as Arizona is considered a key battleground state. President Biden won Arizona narrowly in the 2020 election, and winning the state again will be crucial for his reelection bid next year. Following the signing ceremony, President Biden will continue his trip to New Mexico, a safe state for Democrats, before visiting Utah, a Republican stronghold.
Notwithstanding the overwhelming support for the national monument designation, Republican lawmakers and the uranium mining industry have expressed opposition. They argue that the designation would impede economic growth and hinder national security due to restrictions on mining activities. However, existing mining claims will not be affected by the designation, according to senior Biden administration officials, and significant uranium reserves remain accessible in other parts of the country.
In response to concerns about water contamination, the Interior Department implemented a 20-year moratorium on new mining claims around the national park in 2012. Despite these measures, critics argue that a monument designation could exacerbate drought conditions and disrupt wildlife management efforts.
This decision marks a significant milestone for the preservation of the Grand Canyon region and the acknowledgment of Native American tribes’ historical and cultural significance. President Biden’s commitment to combatting climate change and fulfilling federal obligations to tribes underscores his administration’s dedication to environmental protection and tribal sovereignty.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs praised the designation, highlighting the Grand Canyon’s significance as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. The political landscape in Arizona has evolved since President Barack Obama faced opposition to a similar monument designation in 2017. Governor Hobbs, Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, and Senator Kyrsten Sinema, an independent, have all expressed support for the move.
President Biden’s visit to the Grand Canyon serves as a vital component of his broader agenda, which includes addressing climate change, supporting job growth in renewable energy sectors, and ensuring justice and recognition for Native American communities.