In a recent signing ceremony, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren underscored the essence of the amendments made to the 2012 Radioactive Materials Transportation Act, stating, “Respect tribal sovereignty and work with us.” Nygren's message, as reported by the Navajo Nation’s official website, delivers a clear summons for collaboration between tribal and federal entities on matters of radioactive material transportation.
Strengthening tribal law, these amendments were prompted by unanimous support, passing with a 15-0 vote by the Navajo Nation Council as emergency legislation on Monday, as per the official source. The most notable amendment to the law increases the advance notice period that companies, such as Energy Fuels Resources, must provide before transporting radioactive substances across Navajo lands, extending from four to seven days.
According to Stephen Etsitty, Navajo Nation EPA executive director, this seemingly minor adjustment of extending the advanced notification period holds much significance for the community, particularly after past transgressions of hasty hauling actions without prior notification, the press release details. The Navajo Nation’s commitment to safeguarding their lands and people from radioactive exposure is at the core of these legislative changes.
Council Delegate Casey Allen Johnson, having recently lost his father to an illness attributed to uranium exposure, sponsored the amendments with a personal connection, expressing, “This legislation are my tears and arrows.” Johnson seeks unity with neighboring states and tribes to protect Native populations from the long shadow cast by the uranium legacy on their health and environment.
Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch explained to Navajo Nation’s news service that the Department of Justice is predominantly engaged with uranium remediation work. Discussions with Energy Fuels Resources are in progress to ensure transportation of radioactive materials across Navajo land is managed responsibly and carefully, minimizing risks of contamination.
Regulations on the 2012 law were dormant, Adam Etsitty mentioned, due to no active uranium mining near the Navajo Nation until this January. The policy revitalization aligns with President Nygren's executive order calling for a six-month moratorium in July, to finally lay interim regulations for responsible mining and transportation practices by Energy Fuels Resources.
In a testament to the personal impact of uranium mining, Miss Navajo Nation Amy N. Begaye shared her story during the event. “I lost my chei almost 10 years ago," she revealed, adding, "I lost my chei due to uranium exposure." Begaye's family history with the perilous effects of uranium exposure is a stark reminder of the human cost associated with past and potential future uranium endeavors.
