U.S. Representatives Paul Gosar and Anne Kirkpatrick spearheaded the successful campaign to advance the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2013 out of the House Natural Resources Committee with bi-partisan support this past week. The legislation would facilitate a land exchange that will protect environmentally sensitive lands while opening up the largest undeveloped copper mine in North America and creating nearly 4,000 jobs.
Kirkpatrick said, “I’m pleased to see our bipartisan jobs bill is moving forward, and I thank Congressman Gosar for his efforts. I’m optimistic this bill will pass the full House, but there’s more work to be done with our colleagues in the Senate. I will continue to provide a voice for the mining communities, tribes and environmental groups in my district who have many perspectives on the Superior Mine project. I believe we can create these good jobs while also respecting and addressing outstanding concerns.”
Gosar issued a statement after the hearing, “This land exchange and conservation bill is the direct result of years of negotiations, an open process and a common vision amongst its supporters to bring good paying jobs to Arizona. I am very proud to have shepherded a final product that balances conservation and get our economy growing again.”
The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act authorizes a land exchange near Superior, Ariz., that will open up land for a major copper mine in exchange for protecting more than 5,000 acres of Arizona conservation lands. The effort is projected to create about 3,700 jobs and have an economic impact of more than $61.4 billion. Almost $20 billion in federal and other tax revenues is expected to be generated over the life of the project.
The region is part of Arizona’s Copper Corridor, where many communities have more than a century-long legacy of copper mining. In March, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in support of a resolution to urge Congress to recognize the Resolution Copper Company for its copper mine work near Superior.
The Central Arizona Governments Regional Council voted overwhelmingly to support the Act in late March.