10th Circuit to hear Indian Country uranium case
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals is hearing oral arguments today in a case that affects uranium mining in New Mexico.

In February 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency ruled that a 160-acre parcel in Church Rock is Indian Country. The EPA cited the Navajo character of the community. A final decision was published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2007.

But Hydro Resources Inc. says the land is not under Navajo Nation or federal jurisdiction. The company plans to mine for uranium on the parcel, which is owned in fee.

The case is HRI v. EPA, No. 07-9506. Oral arguments are taking place in Denver, Colorado.

Get the Story:
Company challenges EPA ruling (AP 5/11)

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Uranium company to fight Indian Country status (2/27)