1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 2889, introduced by Representative Tsosie, which appropriates $1,000,000 from the state general fund to the state mine inspector for monitoring uranium contamination throughout Arizona. This legislation addresses a critical environmental health concern that has been neglected for too long. Arizona's history of uranium mining has left a legacy of contamination that continues to threaten the health and safety of communities across the state, particularly Native American communities on tribal lands. The $1 million appropriation for fiscal year 2026-2027 would enable comprehensive soil testing, water testing, and home testing to identify the full scope of uranium contamination in our state. The requirement to establish a statewide registry and monitoring program in partnership with tribal epidemiology centers is particularly important. This partnership recognizes that tribal communities have borne a disproportionate burden from historical uranium mining activities and ensures that monitoring efforts are conducted with appropriate cultural sensitivity and community engagement. Without accurate data on contamination levels, we cannot protect public health or hold responsible parties accountable. The reporting requirement, which mandates that findings and recommendations be submitted to the governor and legislative leadership by December 31, 2026, ensures transparency and accountability. The exemption from lapsing provisions under Arizona Revised Statutes section 35-190 demonstrates a commitment to seeing this work through, even if testing and monitoring extend beyond a single fiscal year. I urge you to support HB 2889. Arizonans deserve to know whether their soil, water, and homes contain dangerous levels of uranium contamination. This modest investment in monitoring is essential to protecting public health and ensuring environmental justice for all Arizona communities.