Arizona Bill Targets Uranium Contamination Near Tribal Communities

A bill moving through the Arizona Legislature would dedicate $1 million to monitoring uranium contamination across the state, with a particular focus on protecting tribal communities from the lingering effects of abandoned mines.

House Bill 2889, sponsored by Representative Myron Tsosie (D-AZ) of Legislative District 6, passed the Senate Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee, and now advances further through the legislative process.

If signed into law, the measure would direct $1 million from Arizona's General Fund in fiscal year 2027 to the State Mine Inspector's office to fund a new statewide monitoring effort.

Uranium mining has left a complicated legacy across parts of Arizona, particularly in and around Native American lands. Abandoned mine sites can leach radioactive materials into soil and groundwater, creating long-term health risks for nearby residents.

Therefore, Tribal communities, which are often located in rural areas close to former mining operations, have historically borne a disproportionate share of that burden.

State Funding

Under the bill, the State Mine Inspector would be required to use the funding for soil, water, and home testing to identify potential uranium contamination.

The office would also be tasked with establishing a statewide registry and a formal monitoring program, and, crucially, partnering with tribal epidemiology centers to carry out the work. Proponents say that partnership is essential to ensuring the program reaches the communities most at risk.

The State Mine Inspector is a constitutionally established position in Arizona, elected every four years for up to four consecutive terms. The office is already responsible for conducting regular safety inspections of active mines and has the authority to inspect abandoned or inactive sites when conditions may threaten public health.

Long-Term Role

HB 2889 would expand that role into longer-term environmental surveillance.

The bill also includes reporting requirements, mandating that findings be submitted to the Secretary of State, and exempts the appropriated funds from lapsing. This means the money cannot simply be swept back into the General Fund if it is not spent immediately.

For Rep. Tsosie and supporters of the legislation, the bill represents a step toward accountability for communities that have lived alongside the consequences of uranium extraction for decades.