Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2011

CONTACT: Stefani Zimmerman or Hannah Loy, 202-225-2315

Rep. Gosar Introduces Major Job Creating Legislation, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011

Bill would create an estimated 1,000 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs in the State of Arizona

Today, after months of working with local stakeholders, U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) introduced H.R. 1904, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011, legislation geared towards revitalizing the economy of Southeast Arizona and preserving and protecting Arizona’s natural treasures.  Congressmen Franks, Flake, Quayle and Schweikert all joined Rep. Gosar in co-sponsoring the bill.

Specifically, the legislation authorizes a land exchange near Superior, Arizona located in Pinal County, opening up the third largest undeveloped copper resource in the world.  According to a study commissioned when copper was priced around $1.30 per lb (the current price is over $4.00), this legislation would result in a project that will directly create over 1,000 jobs, indirectly support over 5,000 jobs, have a yearly economic impact in the state that will exceed $800 million, and significantly help the United States meet the growing demand for copper with domestic resources.  Over the life of the project, the federal government will garner over $8 billion dollars in revenues without any cost to the U.S. taxpayer. 

In addition, the land the federal government acquires in the exchange consists of highly-coveted recreational and conservation areas, therefore this land exchange will assist the federal government in its efforts to more efficiently manage existing federal properties and protect natural treasures in the state.   

“After months of meetings and research, I am proud to put forward a bill that will create jobs for Arizonans,” said Congressman Paul Gosar.  “Arizona has an abundance of natural resources and this is the perfect example of how we can utilize these resources, while ensuring that the environment is protected.  This jobs bill has been long awaited by the people of Arizona and it is time we put this region of the country back to work.  Furthermore, utilizing this copper gives our nation a jump start on emerging technologies such a wind and solar power, battery powered cars and other renewable, clean energy resources.”

With the State, tribal communities, conservationist groups, counties, and towns vested in this legislation, the Congressman traveled the district and actively engaged stakeholders to ensure the legislation was crafted with the best interest of the constituents of Arizona’s First Congressional District and the state in mind. The land exchange has bipartisan support throughout the district and is backed by the majority of Arizona’s delegation to the United States Congress.  Senators McCain and Kyl are fully committed to moving this legislation in the United States Senate, ensuring it is signed into law.

"The world runs on copper, whether it's in electromagnetic motors, transformers, circuit boards, plumbing lines, currency and so much more.  Copper made Arizona great in the last century and this Resolution Copper project can make Arizona a technology leader with state of the art jobs in mining.  It will bring professional jobs and prosperity to a rural region of our state.  I urge Congress to support Representative Gosar's bill because it is good for America, not just Arizona,"  said Pinal County Supervisor and Chairman Pete Rios. 

“The introduction of Representative Gosar’s major jobs legislation, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011, is a long-awaited action in today’s economic climate.  Many hurdles have been crossed in creating this economic development and jobs program, which will benefit all taxpayers - local, state and national.  Our hope is that this most important legislation is passed by Congress in a timely manner,” said Gila County Supervisor Michael Pastor.

“This project will result in creating 1000 plus sustainable jobs now and for the future. Congressman Paul Gosar has been more responsive with this issue than any Congress person in years,” said Superior Mayor Michael Hing.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the United States currently imports over 30 percent of the country’s copper demand.  That demand will continue to increase due to the growing demand for alternative energy infrastructure and other construction needs across the country.  The project resulting from this legislation could produce enough copper equal to 25% of the current U.S. demand.

Dr. Paul Gosar is serving his first term in Congress as the Representative to Arizona’s First Congressional District.  As a healthcare provider and small business owner, Gosar is focused on bringing jobs back to the district, reforming health care, reining in government spending and ensuring that his constituents are involved in the solution process.  Gosar encourages his constituents to share their ideas by contacting him online at www.gosar.house.gov. 

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