Grants, N.M. – September 23, 2026 -- The Clean Energy Association of New Mexico (CLEAN) has come out against a New Mexico State Land Commission Executive Order banning uranium exploration, development, and extraction on state lands, calling the move a setback for energy and economic opportunity.
State Land Commission bans uranium activity despite no new leases issued in over a decade
CLEAN noted the Order applies only to State Lands, where no new uranium lease has been granted in more than ten years, yet argued the restriction still forecloses future economic activity, energy access, and adoption of modern extraction technology on those lands.
CLEAN says the ban unfairly judges today's industry by 60-year-old practices
The association pointed to the New Mexico Mining Act of 1993 and subsequent safety, environmental, and operational standards as evidence that the sector has transformed since legacy contamination issues arose roughly six decades ago, comparing the shift to changes seen in automotive manufacturing, air travel, and agriculture over the same period.
US imports over 90% of uranium fueling its reactors, CLEAN says, citing national security stakes
"The United States is the world's largest consumer of nuclear energy and the uranium that powers the reactors is over 90% sourced from outside the United States,