Good news! Despite being included in an earlier draft of omnibus public lands legislation, the version actually introduced for debate did NOT include the poison pill land exchange.
Thanks to everyone who sent letters in to their Senators.
For those reading about this for the first time: Resolution Copper (a partnership of two of the world’s largest multinational mining companies) wants to mine copper on publicly-owned land sacred to the Apache, and land specifically protected for recreation (Oak Flat campground) in Arizona.
Because this land is owned by all Americans, and mining it would destroy the campground and surrounding area, these multinationals need an act of Congress in order to acquire the land. Although they’ve been trying for years, they’ve been unsuccessful so far. And are still — thanks again to people who made their voice heard.
And thanks to the Arizona Mining Reform Coalition for keeping up the fight.
For More Information:
- Volcanoes, copper and so much more, a Politico story describing the draft public lands legislation which originally contained the land exchange
- The Arizona Mining Reform Coalition has been central to protecting Apache Leap and Oak Flat from this land exchange.
- The text of the land exchange legislation is here.
- More background on the fight to protect Oak Flat/Apache Leap is in this story in Indian Country Today.