Tribal Natural Resources Coverage Supported by Catena Foundation

The Navajo Nation’s Department of Justice is taking action to regulate the transportation of uranium ore near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Pinyon Plain Mine, operated by Energy Fuels, is set to begin hauling radioactive material through the Navajo Nation to the White Mesa Mill in Utah. The Nation is opposed to this plan but cannot prohibit it.

Dan Moquin, a principal attorney at the Navajo Nation DOJ, is leading efforts to draft regulations that could include curfews, licensing requirements for drivers, inspection stations, and fees. The regulations are based on the Radioactive and Related Substances Equipment, Vehicles, Persons and Materials Transportation Act, a tribal law passed in 2012.

Between six and eight trucks are expected to travel through the Navajo Nation each day. Moquin mentioned the possibility of requiring escorts for the vehicles, although this could increase the risk of the regulations being preempted.

Public meetings will be held to gather feedback on the regulations before they are finalized. Energy Fuels expressed unawareness of the Navajo Nation DOJ’s announcement. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.