Op-ed: The time for a permanent uranium mining ban near the Grand Canyon is now

This piece originally appeared as an op-ed in the Arizona Daily Sun

Written by Ylenia Aguilar is a Board Member of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District and serves as a member of HECHO’s Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council.

In the Southwest, water is an exceptionally precious natural resource. In Arizona, it seems that every passing day brings more dire news about the threats facing our state’s water future.

Specifically, one of our most important water sources, the Colorado River, which is facing a potential doomsday scenario. Now, with the stakes high and rising, we can’t be taking any risks with this critical water source --  including uranium mining near the Grand Canyon.

In key reservoirs of the Colorado River, such as Lake Powell, water levels are at record lows and continue to plummet. Lake Mead is at just 30 percent capacity with the water level around 1,045 feet. Because the effects of this shortage are not limited to water usage, northern Arizona is facing a multi-faceted crisis. The Hoover Dam, which generates electricity for surrounding communities, will no longer be able to operate if it reaches deadpool level -- around 895 feet.

Read full op-ed here.