Hatathlie, Miranda condemn the transportation of uranium through the Navajo Nation

Arizona State Senate 

1700 W. Washington St. 

Phoenix, AZ 85007 

Press Release

PHOENIX – Earlier this week, Energy Fuels Inc. transported uranium ore through the Navajo Nation without properly informing the Nation about their transportation plans. 

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has since issued an executive order that would require mining companies to agree to terms regarding the transport of radioactive materials through the Navajo Nation. On Thursday, August 1, Governor Katie Hobbs announced that her administration agreed to pause ore shipments to give both sides an opportunity to negotiate an agreement. 

Nygren’s executive order also states that the tribe would develop long-term rules over the next six months and reiterates the tribe's opposition to moving uranium ore on its lands, seeking four days notice before future shipments. 

In 2012, the Navajo Nation passed the Radioactive and Related Substances Equipment, Vehicles, Persons, and Materials Transportation Act to ban the transportation of uranium on the reservation. 

“I am very disappointed to hear about the transportation of uranium through the Navajo Nation. That land belongs to the Diné Nation, and it is their right to enforce laws on it, especially those crafted to ensure the health, safety, and prosperity of its people. It is unacceptable for any one entity to haul radioactive materials through the Nation, and the state, without transparency and proper notice,” said Senator Theresa Hatathlie (LD6), who represents the Nation. Hatathlie has long advocated of how, since the early 1940s, capitalism has reared its ugly head and created hardships on native land, reaping the environment and the Navajo Nation of resources in its quest for profits. “There is a long history of uranium contamination that has disproportionately affected the Navajo Nation and those who bring these hazardous materials need to take the environmental and emotional impact of it seriously. Many of us are still mourning the loss of our family members and relatives due to exposure to uranium. We have witnessed the suffering of various illnesses, various types of cancers, and babies born with leukemia and birth defects, all of which have been attributable to uranium.”  

“We will no longer be the sacrificing grounds for capitalism!” 

Senator Catherine Miranda (LD11) added, “Even though some may think the pause in uranium transportation could have wide-ranging implications for energy production, economic stability, and technological advancements in the nuclear sector, we must respect the Navajo Nation’s interests. Pausing uranium transportation through Native lands will sound the alarm that there are important conversations to be had regarding health concerns, protecting the environment, preserving cultural heritage, navigating legal complexities, and pursuing sustainable economic development pathways that benefit the community in the long term. I applaud Governor Hobbs on agreeing to pause future uranium ore shipments.” 

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