"The move to block new mining projects comes as the Trump administration seeks to revive American uranium production."
"Officials in New Mexico, the nation’s largest historic producer of uranium ore, banned new leasing of state lands for uranium mining on Friday.
State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard signed the executive order at a press conference in Sante Fe as the Trump administration seeks to revive American uranium mining and rebuild a domestic supply chain for nuclear fuel.
“Today we get to say something our fathers were never given the opportunity to say,” said state Sen. Angel Charley, the daughter of a uranium miner. “No community in New Mexico should have to sacrifice its people, its water and its land, so someone else can make a profit.”
New Mexico, home to hundreds of abandoned uranium shaft mines, has two active uranium leases but no active mines. Trump administration officials have pushed for uranium mining on federal lands, including national forests in New Mexico, and added one to its fast-tracking program."
Dylan Baddour and Wyatt Myskow report for Inside Climate News September 4, 2026.
