March 09, 2018 - 3:15 PM
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - A mining industry group is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review an Obama-era ban on new mining claims around the Grand Canyon.
The petition filed Friday by the American Exploration and Mining Association comes as President Donald Trump's administration reviews a portion of the ban.
The Interior Department implemented the ban in 2012 amid concern about possible water contamination.
A federal law gives the Interior secretary authority to withdraw land from mining claims for up to 20 years without congressional approval.
A provision allowing a legislative veto has been deemed unconstitutional.
The industry group says the provision can't be separated from the law, so the entire law should be invalidated.
Lower courts have disagreed and upheld the ban on new mining claims.
News from © The Associated Press, 2018