1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

Dear Arizona, I am writing to urge you to strictly oppose new or expanded uranium mining in Arizona and prioritize the cleanup of our state's existing legacy toxic sites. Most Arizonans are unaware that dangerous radioactive waste is actively threatening one of our state’s primary freshwater reservoirs—Roosevelt Lake. The facts speak for themselves: Historical Contamination: Dating back to the 1950s atomic boom, dozens of abandoned uranium mines were left uncleaned throughout the Sierra Ancha mountains and Workman Creek drainage area—a region steeped in ancient Native American cultural sites and ruins. Toxic Runoff: Uncapped mine tailings and prospect pits continuously leak heavy metals, arsenic, and radioactive isotopes into local creeks. This runoff flows directly into the Salt River and Roosevelt Lake watershed, which provides drinking and irrigation water for millions of Valley residents. Public Health & Safety Risks: Contamination around these legacy sites is so severe that federal agencies have posted warning signs advising the public not to camp overnight or drink local creek water due to lingering radiation and heavy metal hazards. A Bad Track Record: The mining industry has a history of walking away from toxic sites, leaving local communities burdened with ruined water tables, health crises, and economic loss. Opening new uranium mines while failing to clean up old Superfund hazards and legacy sites in the Sierra Ancha region is reckless. I urge you to protect Arizona’s water security and public health by banning new uranium extraction and demanding full cleanup of old mine sites entering the Roosevelt Lake watershed. Sincerely,