New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez today announced that the New Mexico Department of Justice has filed a petition to intervene in a licensing renewal matter before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that could restart uranium mining and processing at Crownpoint and Church Rock, New Mexico.

“Protecting the groundwater that we rely on for drinking, bathing, and household and agricultural use is a very real priority for every New Mexican. Any new uranium mining in our state must be carried out to the highest environmental standards to ensure that our water supply is protected for all New Mexicans. Crownpoint and Church Rock are already burdened by the environmental impacts of historic uranium mining and clean up from previous operations. We have an obligation to break this cycle of toxic environmental impact.” – AG Torrez