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Reform the Mining Law
Today, the Grand Canyon, Americans most iconic landmark, is being threatened by a 19th century law that allows mining in and around dozens of other national parks and most national forestlands. Signed by President Ulysses S. Grant with prospectors and pack mules in mind, the 1872 Mining Law allows gold, uranium and other hardrock metals to be taken from most western public lands almost for free and with few restrictions.
The threat of uranium mining within miles of Grand Canyon National Park recently forced the Obama administration to take emergency action to halt temporarily new claimstaking in the area. The Department of Interior now has asked the public whether mining should be prohibited on a long-term basis around park boundaries. While this action is an important first step, neither this treasure nor dozens like it will be safe until Congress gives mining a new law.
We need your help. Please send the letter below to Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar. Ask him to take administrative action to withdraw 1 million acres around Grand Canyon National Park from new mining and work with Congress to protect our parks and forests on a permanent basis by modernizing the 1872 Mining Law.
With your letter of support, we can ensure these special places will be preserved for future generations.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Reform the 1872 Mining Law
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
Thank you for taking emergency action to protect America's most iconic landmark, the Grand Canyon National Park and the valuable watershed and ecosystem that surround it from new mining. We ask you to make this protection long-term by withdrawing 1 million acres around its boundaries from new mining.
We also call on you, as a chief steward of our natural heritage to play a leadership role in ensuring the Grand Canyon and other national parks and special places are protected from the harmful impacts of hardrock mining on a permanent basis through reform of 1872 Mining Law. By modernizing this outdated statute, we can ensure America's most treasured lands will remain a legacy for generations to come.
Please consider this as an official comment.
Sincerely,
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