Gallego Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Compensate Arizona Uranium Miners Exposed to Radiation

PHOENIX, AZ — Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) signed on to the Uranium Miners and Workers Act of 2023, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure fair compensation for illnesses experienced by Arizona miners who worked in uranium mines before proper safety procedures were established.

“Arizona miners put themselves in harm’s way to support our state and nation’s economy,” said Rep. Gallego. “That’s why we need to ensure they are fairly compensated and have access to the care they deserve.”

The Uranium Miners and Workers Act of 2023 amends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which compensated those injured due to exposure to radiation from nuclear testing and uranium production.

RECA is currently scheduled to sunset on June 7, 2024. This legislation would extend RECA for an additional 4 years.

“I have and will always support an improved understanding of worker safety and workplace exposures, especially for workers who produce critical minerals that stimulate today's modern economy,” said Mila Besich, Mayor of Superior, Arizona. “When we discover impacts on the health of these workers, it’s morally imperative that we do all we can to protect them. Miners are on the front lines of protecting humankind from climate change. Without critical minerals, any attempt at green energy development is unsustainable. We must protect these workers.”

“As a lifelong miner I have seen first hand the inherent risks associated with the mining industry, our fellow miners risked their health and lives mining uranium to provide a clean energy source and nuclear deterrent; we owe them and should take care of any health issues related to their work,” said Curtis Stacy, Mayor of Kearny, Arizona.

RECA previously only extended benefits to those who handled uranium until 1971. This legislation extends benefits to those working in a uranium mine or mill or those transporting uranium until December 31, 1978.

It provides up to $475 million for those suffering from cancers and other diseases associated with uranium production and transportation.

These funds will be sourced, in part, from unobligated funds from the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act and the American Rescue Plan.

Last month, Gallego cosponsored the bipartisan Mining Schools Act to bolster opportunities for America’s university mining educational programs, including the University of Arizona’s Mining and Geological Engineering program, to prepare students to meet future energy needs.