The Grand Canyon: Fate for the Feds or the Arizonians

          This November a major proposition is on the ballot for the citizens of Arizona.  If passed, it will transfer control of a significant geographical monument to the state. Proposition 120 will transfer control of the Grand Canyon to the citizens of the state of Arizona, raising a question of whether this landmark will be better conserved in the hands of the state, or the federal government.

            This initiative was passed by the republican controlled legislature and, if approved, will amend the state constitution and transfer to Arizona the Grand Canyon and all of its “ air, water, public lands, minerals, wildlife, and other natural resources.”  Many believe this has become an issue due to the recent movement called the “Sagebrush Revolt” in which Western states are attempting to repossess federal land (Weber).

            The proposition transfers to the state millions of acres, excluding Indian reservations and military installations; however, the Grand Canyon is the prized possession.  State Senator, Sylvia Allen, says this proposition should be passed because the federal government has broken its promise of returning some of the lands to the Western states.  This has restricted the ability to attract new businesses and jobs, which increases revenues to fund public education (Weber). As you can see below the Grand Canyon would not only help the economy of Arizona, but it is also a beautiful landmark they hold.

Photo: Jackson, Stephen. Web. 31 Oct. 2012

          Many question the proposition since Arizona can barely fund and take care of its state parks.  They will need money to take care of and protect the additional 25 to 30 million acres they will acquire if this bill passed.  This land encompasses anywhere from 34% to 41% of the state (Reuters). Many do not know how they can handle all this land but Sylvia Allen disagrees.  She says, “ We do not have the ability in rural Arizona to provide jobs for our citizens due to the fact that the federal government controls all the land.  It leaves us at a great disadvantage.  We’re not able to bring in industry and provide jobs that we need” (Weber).

          For some, they believe more local control over federal lands will provide the state with additional revenue sources.  This proposition can only bring Arizona a flourishing economy and pride in the citizens who care for this marvelous landmark. The Arizona voters will determine if they can take on the responsibility of properly conserving this landmark come this November election.       

Works Cited

Jackson, Stephen. Web. 31 Oct. 2012.

Rueters, Thomson. Arizonans to vote on taking Grand Canyon, other lands from federal control. NBC News. 23 Oct. 2012. 31 Oct. 2012.

Weber, Joseph. Arizona to vote on taking control of Grand Canyon. Fox News. 24 Oct. 2012. 31 Oct. 2012.