Weekly Columns and Op-Eds

“Copper and Water Bills Move Forward”

By, Congressman Paul Gosar (AZ-01)

This week was an important week for two major legislative initiatives that will have a significant impact on Arizona’s First Congressional District.  On Tuesday June 14th the Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on H.R. 1904, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011.  On Wednesday June 15th the Committee unanimously advanced H.R. 489, legislation that will ensure the long-term management of C.C. Cragin Dam and Reservoir, to the House floor. 

The land exchange created in H.R. 1904 was one of the very first projects the people of my district brought to my attention.   Indeed, the people of Superior, Globe and Miami expressed the dire urgency necessitating this bill.  But this bill, which will allow a world-class copper mine to proceed, has national importance, even though it will directly impact our District and the State of Arizona.  I spent my first five months in office engaging with all interested stakeholders, including some opposed to the initiative, to ensure I crafted legislation that would move quickly in the House of Representatives and would accommodate as many interests as possible.   It is not possible to please everyone, but H.R. 1904 satisfies the overwhelming majority of people concerned about the economy and the future of Arizona.

The Gila County Board of Supervisors support the initiative and I was honored to have Supervisor Bryan Martyn, representing the bipartisan Pinal County Board of Supervisors, the Mayor of Superior Michael Hing, and Harrison Talgo, former Chairman of the San Carlos Tribe and tribal elder, testify before Congress in support of it.  Their message was clear: folks in Pinal and Gila County are excited for the economic development and sustainable growth that this project will bring. The unemployment rates in both counties exceed 10percent and this project will support over 3,700 jobs providing for $220 million in annual wages.  The total economic impact of the project on the State of Arizona is estimated to be over $61.4 billion, nearly $1 billion annually.  In addition, it will generate $20 billion in federal, state, county and local tax revenue.  We were all impressed with Mayor Hing’s and Harrison Talgo’s poignant testimony.   And Supervisor Martyn laid out the case for Pinal County forcefully.  

H.R. 1904 will significantly contribute to our mineral and energy independence.  Today we import 30 percent of our copper.  This project will produce up to 25% of the current U.S. demand.  The need for copper continues to increase.  One 3 megawatt wind turbine requires 4.7 tons of copper.  Renewable energy production depends heavily on copper to transmit power with maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Hybrid vehicles require double the amount of copper as gas-fueled automobiles. Copper ranks second- behind aluminum- in annual consumption for the defense industry.  The United States must use domestic resources to meet this growing demand. This legislation is a major step in the right direction. 

This legislation is not only a jobs bill, it’s a conservation bill. The land the federal government acquires in the exchange consists of highly-coveted recreational and conservation areas; therefore it will protect natural treasures in our state and assist with the efficient management of existing federal properties.  This week’s hearing was an important first step towards H.R. 1904’s passage in the House. I am optimistic the Committee will advance the legislation in the near future. 

 The C.C. Cragin Dam and Reservoir Project plays an essential role in providing water for the City of Phoenix and Gila County.  Towns like Payson and other neighboring communities rely on this pipeline to supply municipal drinking water to the community.  The bill is a common-sense solution that eliminates government red tape and provides a clear approval process for the Salt River Project (SRP) to properly maintain this critical water infrastructure.  Payson Mayor Kenny Evans, SRP, and representatives from both the Bureau of Reclamation and the Forest Serviceall testified that H.R. 489 is vital to the long-term management of C.C. Cragin Dam and Reservoir Project, and would bring about the necessary economic certainty for the Town of Payson and other impacted communities.  I would love to hear your thoughts on these bills as well as other issues that are concerning you.   

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