Uranium drilling permit hearing paused after federal lawsuit filed
A federal lawsuit alleging due process violations led a state board to pause a hearing on a proposed uranium drilling project in South Dakota’s southern Black Hills
A hearing on a proposed uranium exploratory drilling permit in South Dakota’s southern Black Hills was adjourned Wednesday after a project opponent filed a federal lawsuit alleging due process violations, according to South Dakota Searchlight. Clean Nuclear Energy Corporation is seeking permission to drill dozens of holes up to 700 feet deep on state land near Craven Canyon. Opponents told the Board of Minerals and Environment the project could disturb Native American petroglyphs, disrupt Lakota ceremonies and threaten groundwater.
South Dakota Searchlight reports that project opponent Elizabeth Lone Eagle filed the lawsuit against the board, the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Clean Nuclear Energy and state employees involved in reviewing the permit. The suit alleges Lakota first-language speakers were denied meaningful participation during the hearing process. The department did not provide a Lakota interpreter on the hearing’s first day, though interpreters were present Tuesday. The board did not announce when the hearing would resume.
- 1.Meghan O’Brien. South Dakota Searchlight, .
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