Arizona Corporation Commissioner Paul Newman

Sedona AZ (June 25, 2011)-In a letter to the Sedona Eye, Arizona Corporation Commissioner Paul Newman comments on the Arizona Department of Interior uranium mining moratorium near the Grand Canyon:

Dear Editor,

I was born and raised on a dairy farm, and like my fellow Arizonans who ranch and farm, appreciate the importance of clean water to the sustainability of our food supply.

That is one reason why I support Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s announcement of a continued moratorium on new uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, and the potential of a 20-year ban. Since he too, is a former farmer and rancher, Secretary Salazar clearly knows that our Colorado River water supplies are too important to risk contamination from uranium mining pollution.

We also cannot risk the multi-million-dollar tourism industry in Arizona, which depends on people coming to the Grand Canyon State to enjoy the Grand Canyon.

Like Secretary Salazar and my fellow Arizonans, I believe that we can have clean water, a robust tourism economy, and protected national parks for the next generation. Anyone who says differently isn’t fighting hard enough for our families, or our future.

Sincerely,

Paul Newman
Commissioner

Read it first in the Sedona Eye!