Latest news with #DepartmentoftheInterior
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah uranium mine is first energy project approved under Trump's 14-day review process
Interior Secretary Doug Burghum. (Photo by) A uranium mine in southern Utah is the first project to be approved under President Donald Trump's emergency declaration streamlining the development of energy infrastructure. Owned and operated by the Canadian company Anfield Energy, the Velvet-Wood uranium project received a green light on Friday under the federal government's new, 14-day environmental review process for energy projects. The permitting process for similar projects has taken years in the past — but in January, Trump declared a national energy emergency, slashing the environmental review process for a number of energy projects like uranium, crude oil, natural gas, coal, biofuels, geothermal and critical minerals. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced the mining project in Utah would be the first to be reviewed. And on Friday, Anfield received approval from the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM. 'This approval marks a turning point in how we secure America's mineral future,' said Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior secretary, in a statement. 'By streamlining the review process for critical mineral projects like Velvet-Wood, we're reducing dependence on foreign adversaries and ensuring our military, medical and energy sectors have the resources they need to thrive. This is mineral security in action.' Sitting near the Utah-Colorado border in San Juan County about 40 miles east of Canyonlands National Park, the Velvet-Wood project is the combination of two mines — the existing Velvet Mine, which produced nearly 400,000 tons of ore between 1979 and 1984, and the nearby Wood area, which hasn't yet been mined according to an economic assessment from Anfield. 'We are very pleased that the Department of the Interior has greenlit our Velvet-Wood project in an expedited manner,' said Anfield CEO Corey Dias in a statement. 'This confirms our view that Velvet-Wood was well-suited for an accelerated review, given that it is a past-producing uranium and vanadium mine with a small environmental footprint. The Company will now pivot to advancing the project through construction and, ultimately, to production.' Anfield has been eyeing this site for years, purchasing it in 2015 and submitting a plan of operation to the state of Utah and BLM in 2024. According to the Department of the Interior, the operation will disturb about three acres, and much of the mining will take place underground. The normal environmental review process usually takes local input into consideration, weighing environmental and cultural concerns against the project's goals. That includes a public comment period that, depending on the project, can result in thousands of comments. According to BLM documents, public input was not required because of the president's emergency order. Still, the region's tribal governments have concerns, as noted in BLM's environmental assessment. The agency met with representatives from the Hopi, Pueblo of Zuni, Navajo, Pueblo of San Felipe and Ute Mountain Ute tribes, all of whom were critical of the operation and the federal government's expedited review. 'The Tribal Nations expressed similar concerns with the emergency procedures, water impacts, transportation, and uranium contamination,' the BLM documents read, including worries that the mining and transportation of uranium ore, which would take place near Bears Ears National Monument, could impact cultural sites. Anfield also owns Shootaring Canyon uranium mill, located in Garfield County between Hanksville and Lake Powell. Just one of three licensed and completed uranium mills in the country, it hasn't been operational in years — Anfield says it plans to reopen the mill, although that will require additional licensing and infrastructure improvements. If it becomes operational, the mill will be used to convert uranium ore into concentrate to be used in nuclear reactors. This story was originally published in Utah News Dispatch.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Feds green-light uranium mine in Utah, first project approved under Trump's energy declaration
Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Interior Department secretary, waits for the beginning of a confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee at Dirksen Senate Office Building on Jan. 16, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (Photo by) A uranium mine in southern Utah is the first project to be approved under President Donald Trump's emergency declaration streamlining the development of energy infrastructure. Owned and operated by the Canadian company Anfield Energy, the Velvet-Wood uranium project received a green light on Friday under the federal government's new, 14-day environmental review process for energy projects. The permitting process for similar projects has taken years in the past — but in January, Trump declared a national energy emergency, slashing the environmental review process for a number of energy projects like uranium, crude oil, natural gas, coal, biofuels, geothermal and critical minerals. Trump administration expedites permitting for Utah uranium mine to a two-week process Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced the mining project in Utah would be the first to be reviewed. And on Friday, Anfield received approval from the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM. 'This approval marks a turning point in how we secure America's mineral future,' said Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior secretary, in a statement. 'By streamlining the review process for critical mineral projects like Velvet-Wood, we're reducing dependence on foreign adversaries and ensuring our military, medical and energy sectors have the resources they need to thrive. This is mineral security in action.' Sitting near the Utah-Colorado border in San Juan County about 40 miles east of Canyonlands National Park, the Velvet-Wood project is the combination of two mines —- the existing Velvet Mine, which produced nearly 400,000 tons of ore between 1979 and 1984, and the nearby Wood area, which hasn't yet been mined according to an economic assessment from Anfield. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 'We are very pleased that the Department of the Interior has greenlit our Velvet-Wood project in an expedited manner,' said Anfield CEO Corey Dias in a statement. 'This confirms our view that Velvet-Wood was well-suited for an accelerated review, given that it is a past-producing uranium and vanadium mine with a small environmental footprint. The Company will now pivot to advancing the project through construction and, ultimately, to production.' Anfield has been eyeing this site for years, purchasing it in 2015 and submitting a plan of operation to the state of Utah and BLM in 2024. According to the Department of the Interior, the operation will disturb about three acres, and much of the mining will take place underground. The normal environmental review process usually takes local input into consideration, weighing environmental and cultural concerns against the project's goals. That includes a public comment period that, depending on the project, can result in thousands of comments. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE According to BLM documents, public input was not required because of the president's emergency order. Still, the region's tribal governments have concerns, as noted in BLM's environmental assessment. The agency met with representatives from the Hopi, Pueblo of Zuni, Navajo, Pueblo of San Felipe and Ute Mountain Ute tribes, all of whom were critical of the operation and the federal government's expedited review. 'The Tribal Nations expressed similar concerns with the emergency procedures, water impacts, transportation, and uranium contamination,' the BLM documents read, including worries that the mining and transportation of uranium ore, which would take place near Bears Ears National Monument, could impact cultural sites. Anfield also owns Shootaring Canyon uranium mill, located in Garfield County between Hanksville and Lake Powell. Just one of three licensed and completed uranium mills in the country, it hasn't been operational in years — Anfield says it plans to reopen the mill, although that will require additional licensing and infrastructure improvements. If it becomes operational, the mill will be used to convert uranium ore into concentrate to be used in nuclear reactors.
The Hill
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
National park visitors to be encouraged to report ‘negative' depictions under new order
(NEXSTAR) — A new order issued by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to ensure 'the natural and historical resources managed by the Department…accurately reflect American history and not partisan ideology,' invites national park visitors to report aspects of the sites that need repairs and signs or other information that 'disparages' Americans. Burgum's order stems from an executive order, titled 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,' signed by President Donald Trump in March. That order called on the Interior Secretary to identify any 'public monuments, memorials, statues, markers, or similar properties' that have been removed or 'changed to perpetuate a false reconstruction of American history, inappropriately minimize the value of certain historical events or figures, or include any other improper partisan ideology' since January 1, 2020. The executive order also calls for those properties to be reinstated, and to ensure that all other sites overseen by the Department of the Interior 'do not contain descriptions, depictions, or other content that inappropriately disparage Americans past or living (including persons living in colonial times), and instead focus on the greatness of the achievements and progress of the American people or, with respect to natural features, the beauty, abundance, and grandeur of the American landscape.' In response, Burgum has called for a review of properties that have been changed or altered and their reinstatement. The Interior Department oversees the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other bureaus that oversee the nation's 'vast natural and cultural resources.' According to a statement shared with Nexstar by the Interior Department, Burgum's order is only focused on 'historical monuments, markers, and memorials altered or removed since 2020.' 'This effort ensures our public lands reflect an accurate portrayal of American history and heritage,' a department spokesperson said. 'We remain committed to preserving the integrity of our nation's historical legacy for future generations. The Department of the Interior has already begun taking first steps towards implementing this Secretary's Order with more details to come.' Some federally managed areas were renamed within the last five years. That includes a camping spot in Grand Canyon National Park, a mountain in Yellowstone National Park, and hundreds of other geographic features that were rebranded to remove a derogatory term from federal lands. It's unclear if those features will revert to their previous names. Burgum also ordered a review of sites to determine if they have any disparaging content. As part of this, signage is to be posted at all properties to encourage visitors to report on the 'negative' information they find, as well as areas or services within the park that need improvement. Burgum's order says all signs should include a QR code and the following statement: '(Name of property) belongs to the American people, and (name of land management Bureau) wants your feedback. Please let us know if you have identified (1) any areas of the (park/area, etc. as appropriate) that need repair; (2) any services that need improvement; or (3) any signs or other information that are negative about either past or living Americans or that fail to emphasize the beauty, grandeur, and abundance of landscapes and other natural features.' Burgum's order, according to National Parks Conservation Association President and CEO Theresa Pierno, 'sets a dangerous precedent of prioritizing nostalgia over truth at our parks.' 'Should rangers at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument avoid speaking negatively about slavery? Should rangers at Manzanar National Historic Site avoid talking about the imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II?' she said. Under the 1916 Organic Act and the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act, the National Park Service is required to preserve, protect, and interpret American history, the National Parks Conservation Association noted.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion - Trump is making Memorial Day affordable again
'Restoring American Energy Dominance' isn't some slogan cooked up in a campaign war room or dreamt up by a pollster trying to win the suburbs. It's a plain-spoken promise from an administration that is interested in doing exactly what it said it would do. Under President Trump, this government is working overtime to produce more energy, bringing down costs for Americans. This Memorial Day, for the first time in over four years, a record number of Americans will hit the road without needing to remortgage their homes just to fill up their tank. Imagine that — traveling without the side hustle of multiple jobs to afford gas. Inflation? Under control. Energy costs? Not trying to mug you in broad daylight. In just a little over 100 days, Trump has jumpstarted an energy revival that is delivering results. At the Department of the Interior, Secretary Doug Burgum didn't just show up to the office — he rolled up his sleeves and told bureaucracy to take a seat. The goal? To make life less wallet-crushing, from the pump to the pantry. Compared to this time last year, gas is down almost 14 percent. Compared to the peak of the previous administration's 'don't believe your eyes' approach, prices have dropped 36 percent. That's not spin—that's more steaks on the grill and fewer tears at the pump. Lower energy costs under Trump are flowing through America's supply chains, dragging down the price of everyday goods. The Consumer Price Index isn't just improving—it's shattering expectations. For three straight months, inflation rates and prices have fallen. Grocery prices? Falling. Gas prices? Falling. Egg prices? Falling. And real wages? Going up. That's real purchasing power. Plus, flights, hotels, used cars, and energy bills are all heading in the right direction: down —finally giving Americans a break from the economic whiplash of the last few years and letting families breathe a little easier, plan a little further ahead, and maybe even save without feeling like it's a luxury. And it turns out, when Americans can afford to live a little, they do. AAA says that more than 45 million people are traveling this Memorial Day weekend — breaking a two-decade-old record. It turns out that affordable gas makes for a pretty good economic stimulus. Real energy independence also means less reliance on foreign regimes and more money staying right here at home. It's not just smart policy—it's common sense, finally making a comeback. At the Department of the Interior, we see this as just the beginning. Since Trump's second inauguration, we have held new energy lease sales across the West — New Mexico, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana, and both Dakotas. We've pulled in nearly $39 million from leasing more than 5,000 acres. Burgum has even flipped the 'Closed' sign on the Gulf of America. That's right — the Gulf is open for business, and in the next decade we're looking at 100,000 more barrels of oil per day. That's not a typo — it's a pipeline to prosperity. Burgum gets it: American energy is the key to economic sanity. It powers growth, slashes costs, and—bonus—helps us whittle down the deficit. Rather than burying innovation under mountains of red tape, Burgum and this administration are choosing to empower it. The Department of the Interior is committed to expanding American energy — not recklessly, but smartly, efficiently, and unapologetically. So as this administration works to unleash the full might of American energy, rest assured: we're not just making noise — we're making it cheaper to live in this country again. And no, you're not dreaming. That sizzle you hear this Summer? It's burgers, not your credit card melting. Matthew Middleton is deputy communications director and director of research in the office of the Secretary of the Interior. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hill
Trump is making Memorial Day affordable again
'Restoring American Energy Dominance' isn't some slogan cooked up in a campaign war room or dreamt up by a pollster trying to win the suburbs. It's a plain-spoken promise from an administration that is interested in doing exactly what it said it would do. Under President Trump, this government is working overtime to produce more energy, bringing down costs for Americans. This Memorial Day, for the first time in over four years, a record number of Americans will hit the road without needing to remortgage their homes just to fill up their tank. Imagine that — traveling without the side hustle of multiple jobs to afford gas. Inflation? Under control. Energy costs? Not trying to mug you in broad daylight. In just a little over 100 days, Trump has jumpstarted an energy revival that is delivering results. At the Department of the Interior, Secretary Doug Burgum didn't just show up to the office — he rolled up his sleeves and told bureaucracy to take a seat. The goal? To make life less wallet-crushing, from the pump to the pantry. Compared to this time last year, gas is down almost 14 percent. Compared to the peak of the previous administration's 'don't believe your eyes' approach, prices have dropped 36 percent. That's not spin—that's more steaks on the grill and fewer tears at the pump. Lower energy costs under Trump are flowing through America's supply chains, dragging down the price of everyday goods. The Consumer Price Index isn't just improving—it's shattering expectations. For three straight months, inflation rates and prices have fallen. Grocery prices? Falling. Gas prices? Falling. Egg prices? Falling. And real wages? Going up. That's real purchasing power. Plus, flights, hotels, used cars, and energy bills are all heading in the right direction: down —finally giving Americans a break from the economic whiplash of the last few years and letting families breathe a little easier, plan a little further ahead, and maybe even save without feeling like it's a luxury. And it turns out, when Americans can afford to live a little, they do. AAA says that more than 45 million people are traveling this Memorial Day weekend — breaking a two-decade-old record. It turns out that affordable gas makes for a pretty good economic stimulus. Real energy independence also means less reliance on foreign regimes and more money staying right here at home. It's not just smart policy—it's common sense, finally making a comeback. At the Department of the Interior, we see this as just the beginning. Since Trump's second inauguration, we have held new energy lease sales across the West — New Mexico, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana, and both Dakotas. We've pulled in nearly $39 million from leasing more than 5,000 acres. Burgum has even flipped the 'Closed' sign on the Gulf of America. That's right — the Gulf is open for business, and in the next decade we're looking at 100,000 more barrels of oil per day. That's not a typo — it's a pipeline to prosperity. Burgum gets it: American energy is the key to economic sanity. It powers growth, slashes costs, and—bonus—helps us whittle down the deficit. Rather than burying innovation under mountains of red tape, Burgum and this administration are choosing to empower it. The Department of the Interior is committed to expanding American energy — not recklessly, but smartly, efficiently, and unapologetically. So as this administration works to unleash the full might of American energy, rest assured: we're not just making noise — we're making it cheaper to live in this country again. And no, you're not dreaming. That sizzle you hear this Summer? It's burgers, not your credit card melting. Matthew Middleton is deputy communications director and director of research in the office of the Secretary of the Interior.
