Washington, D.C. – Today, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a decision to block the Rosemont Mine’s construction in the Coronado National Forest. Chair Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) issued the following statement:
“Congress, federal agencies and the American public have given mining companies carte blanche and access to our public lands to profit and pollute for too long. This decision will prevent bad faith mining companies from dumping toxic waste and protect tribal sacred sites that have existed since time immemorial. I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with my brothers and sisters of the Tohono O’odham Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and Hopi Tribe in this fight.
Today is a reaffirmation and a call to action to reform our centuries old mining laws and pass the Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act to help us transition to a clean energy economy. Getting the minerals we need for our clean energy future shouldn’t mean sacrificing our environment, health and sacred lands. We’re going to ensure that mining laws reflect the world we want to live in with sustainable energy, clean air, pure water, and an environment that allows us to thrive.”
On April 26, 2022, Chair Grijalva introduced the Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act with companion legislation in the Senate by Senator Martin Henrich (D-N.M.). The lawmakers held a press conference earlier this week and the Energy and Minerals Subcommittee held a hearing on Chair Grijalva’s bill today.