Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. STANTON. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman, Chairman Grijalva, for yielding, and for his leadership as the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, and as the senior member of our Arizona delegation.
Today, I rise in support of H.R. 1373, the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act.
When people think of Arizona, they most often conjure up images of the Grand Canyon. It is our State's greatest treasure and one of the most iconic natural wonders on Earth.
It took nearly 2 billion years for the Colorado River and its tributaries to cut through layer after layer of rock to form the canyon. The spectacular scene is something best experienced in person, which is why it is one of the most visited national parks in our country.
The park is a key economic driver for northern Arizona's economy. Last year, the Grand Canyon welcomed 6.3 million visitors, bringing almost $1 billion of value to our local economies.
President Teddy Roosevelt, who designated the Grand Canyon a national monument in 1908, said: ``Leave it as it is. You cannot improve upon it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.''
We could not agree more.
As we celebrate the park's centennial this year, we must take the necessary action to preserve this natural landscape for future generations to experience.
The bill before us today, which makes permanent a ban on new uranium mining permits on nearly 1 million acres around the canyon, is that necessary action. It is a vital step to protect this delicate ecosystem, the significant number of species that call it home, as well as the Colorado River watershed on which millions of people rely for water.
This legislation has strong support from leaders and industries across our State, from our Tribal nations to cities and counties, to recreation and environmental organizations.
Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to join us in preserving the Grand Canyon and supporting this important bill.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source