Raúl Grijalva: “I cannot even begin to describe how disrespectful and demeaning this dismissive language is to her, and to the local…”

The 1872 Mining Law is an outdated law that has failed to protect communities like mine.

To merely open the floodgates to the use of our public lands without any protections, due process, community involvement... is going back to a time that got us into this situation.

A few weeks ago, I sought medical treatment for a persistent cough which was initially diagnosed as pneumonia. After further testing and imaging, my physician discovered that I have cancer.

This law would apply to all of our public lands, including national parks, wilderness areas, and BLM land.