Laguna-Acoma Coalition for a Safe Environment
LACSE
Community Overview
About
Founded in 1993, Laguna Acoma Coalition for a Safe Environment (LASCE) is a nonprofit grassroots environmental organization made up of concerned tribal members and residents of Laguna and Acoma Pueblos.
The organization works in unity to empower their communities regarding the impacts of resource development—especially uranium mining—on human life, culture, and the environment.
Key Issue 1: Protecting Tsibiina / Kaweshtima
Tsibiina (Laguna) / Kaweshtima (Acoma), known as Mt. Taylor in English, is located in northwestern New Mexico within the Grants Mineral Belt / Grants Mining District.
In 2009, the National Historic Trust listed Tsibiina / Kaweshtima as one of the 11 most endangered historic places in the United States. Much of the surrounding area has been heavily contaminated by uranium waste, and large portions of the land and water may never return to their original condition.
The region contains 97 abandoned uranium mines and 5 former uranium mills, all still awaiting full remediation nearly 60 years after most ceased operations.
Despite this legacy, three new uranium mines have been proposed around Tsibiina / Kaweshtima. These projects are listed under the federal FAST-41 program, which grants expedited review.
Under Indigenous leadership, Tsibiina / Kaweshtima was permanently listed in the State Register of Cultural Properties in 1990 and designated as the Mt. Taylor Traditional Cultural Property (TCP) in 2008.
Over 1,000 archaeological sites have been documented, reflecting continuous cultural significance since prehistoric times.
Key Issue 2: Jackpile Mine
The Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine, located on the Pueblo of Laguna near the Village of Paguate, was once the world’s largest open-pit uranium mine.
Operated from 1952 to 1982, the 7,868-acre site left behind open pits, waste dumps, and ore stockpiles containing uranium, arsenic, barium, chromium, lead, and vanadium.
In 2012, the Jackpile Mine was added to the Superfund National Priorities List after EPA assessments determined substantial additional remediation was required.
The Rio Paguate begins on Tsibiina / Kaweshtima and flows through the contaminated mine site before entering Paguate Reservoir. Scientific studies have documented elevated levels of uranium and radium in the reservoir’s water and sediments, threatening wildlife, wetlands, and ceremonial waters.
Featured Document
Petuuche Gilbert’s statement before the UN Special Rapporteur
News and Updates
Latest announcements, documents, and community updates.
Laguna-Acoma Coalition for a Safe Environment (LACSE)
Founded in 1993, LACSE works to protect Mt. Taylor (Tsibiina/Kaweshtima) and address the long-term impacts of uranium mining on Laguna and Acoma communities.
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