Response on Rosemont Mine to Orlando Blake from Gabrielle Giffords
08/26/2009
Dear Dr. Blake,
Thank you for contacting me about the proposed Rosemont Mine in the Santa Rita Mountains. As you may know, this project was proposed by the Canadian-based company Augusta Resources, Inc.
I have deep concerns about the proposed project, an 800-acre open-pit mine in one of the most scenic areas of Southern Arizona. The potential environmental impacts to the Santa Rita Mountains are profound: water pollution, air pollution, noise pollution, destruction of wildlife habitat, traffic hazards. The possible effects are truly disturbing.
While the mine itself would be on private lands owned by the company, the operation would require the use of more than 3,000 acres of surrounding national forest land for waste tailings and other operational needs. I believe this is an example of where the environmental concerns outweigh the potential economic gains. Based on the facts laid out before me, I oppose the Rosemont mine. The negative impacts on water, air, land, and human health are simply too much to let this project move forward. I am working with my colleague, Representative Grijalva, to oppose the project.
Augusta Resources is currently in the process of conducting an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Rosemont project in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service. Augusta has indicated that it hopes to release a draft EIS for public comment sometime this coming fall or winter.
Unfortunately, the U.S. Forest Service recently indicated its position that the Mining Law of 1872 precludes the agency from considering a "no action" alternative when evaluating the Rosemont EIS. When we learned about this position, Rep. Grijalva and I sent a letter on June 8 to the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, who oversees the U.S. Forest Service requesting that the position be reconsidered. In July we met with Jay Jensen, the Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment at USDA. In that meeting, Mr. Jensen agreed with us that the agency should reexamine the policy. Rep. Grijalva and I plan to continue to push for the "no action" alternative to be considered as part of the EIS process. The Santa Ritas are a national treasure. For this reason, I am investigating all options for federal action.
I am not opposed to all mining projects. I will look at each proposal on a case-by-case basis. As we set forth a long-term plan for Southern Arizona, we must not be rigid. For example, one of my other priorities - renewable energy - depends heavily on hard rock minerals such as copper. Because of this, we must approach each mining proposal with an open mind so that we can implement common-sense solutions. Land use decisions like mining will continue to be an issue we struggle with in Southern Arizona, but one that, with some compromise, we can find an appropriate balance between economic and environmental concerns.
Ultimately, the solution is to implement sensible reform of the 1872 Mining Law. On November 1, 2007, I voted in support of the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act, a bill that would have brought the mining law up to modern environmental standards. It also would have provided impact assistance to mining communities and established a practical and a modern approach to reclaiming and restoring the land and water resources. The bill passed the House, but was never taken up by the Senate in the last Congress. I'm pleased that a virtually identical bill has been introduced this year and is moving through the House once again.
I always appreciate hearing from constituents, like you, who are informed and interested in the important issues affecting Arizona and the nation. My job as your representative is to help you connect with federal agencies, access services and get your questions answered thoroughly. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if you require assistance.
To receive regular e-mail updates on my work as your U.S. Representative,
visit www.giffords.house.gov
Sincerely Yours,
Gabrielle Giffords
Member of Congress
Washington DC Office
1728 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone:(202) 225-2542
Fax: (202) 225-0378
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