Press Releases

Rep. Gosar: We Will Continue to Seek Enactment of the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act    

 U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar (AZ-04) issued the following statement regarding his major jobs and conservation legislation, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2013 (H.R. 687), which was calendared but not voted on today:

"Today's setback will not discourage me from my continued fight for this important Arizona jobs bill."

"I am disappointed that a mine of national significance that would have employed so many Native Americans was opposed by the leadership of the San Carlos Apache Tribe - a tribe plagued with excessively high unemployment and poverty. It is inexplicable decisions like this that directly result in the continued poverty of the tribe and the deterioration of the economic prospects of the town of Superior and the entire State of Arizona."

"The San Carlos Apache leadership has lied to and misled other tribal leaders across the nation about this project. Polls show the majority of San Carlos Apache tribal members support the mine and the jobs. Their tribal leadership is out of touch with its own people. I am confident that the truth will prevail and the will of the members of the tribe and surrounding communities will be done." 

"Rep. Kirkpatrick and I will continue to work with our Senators to ensure the enactment of the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act." 

BACKGROUND:
The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act authorizes a federal land exchange that will open the third largest undeveloped copper resource in the world, located near Superior, Arizona. In exchange, more than 5,000 acres of high-value Arizona conservation lands – encompassing endangered species, sensitive ecosystems, recreational sites and historic landmarks – will be protected. The mine would create more than 3,700 local jobs, generate more than $61.4 billion in economic activity and could supply 25 percent or more of the nation’s domestic copper demand.

This bill has garnered notable support of local and national business leaders. A full list of supporters and their letters can be found HERE. 

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