Resolution Copper: A Winning Scenario

By U.S. Senator Jon Kyl Legislation that would produce great environmental and economic benefits for Arizona has moved one step closer to passage. Recently, the Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests held a hearing on the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act (S. 3157). I am the chief sponsor of this bill, which facilitates a land exchange that, in my view, strikes the right balance of commonsense fiscal and environmental policy. This land exchange bill will make it possible to protect several thousand acres of environmentally sensitive lands while providing Resolution Copper with land it needs for its copper mine. The legislation will generate economic, recreational, and employment opportunities for residents in the Town of Superior and throughout the state. The mine would be located generally southeast of the town. The exchange will bring lands into public ownership that have very high wildlife, watershed and other conservation values. These lands would include more than two miles of perennial trout stream on East Clear Creek in northern Arizona where many Arizonans go to escape the summer heat. Additionally, they would include 6.8 miles along both sides of the lower San Pedro River, which comprises some of the best migratory bird habitats and flyways in the entire southwest; and almost 1,000 acres in the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch, a habitat for over 400 species of native grasses and a nature/research preserve jointly managed by the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Arizona Audubon Society. On the economic side, the exchange will have a significant impact at the federal, state, and local levels. Once in operation, the copper mine could have a total economic impact of more than $50 billion. Annually, the mine could produce an effect equivalent to hosting two Super Bowls$800 million per year, assuming the current price of copper at $1.30 per pound. In addition, the mine could also supply as much as 20 percent of the nations demand for copper, thus helping the nation move toward sustainability with respect to that critical metal. In the years ahead, demand for copper will likely increase as more Americans move to hybrid cars and trucks, which require on average twice as much copper as traditionally designed vehicles. The current legislation in Congress has bipartisan support. Over the past several years, members of the Arizona congressional delegation, officials in the Presidents administration, and various community, recreational, and environmental stakeholders have worked together to suggest changes and improve this legislation. For instance, the improved bill assures taxpayers that they will receive a fair return for the minerals that are produced from mining on federal land even though we do not know their value today. It also requires Resolution Copper to convey to the Forest Service a popular rock climbing area known as The Ponds, thereby ensuring the area will remain open for future recreation. With this land exchange, we can preserve lands that advance the important public objectives of protecting wildlife habitat, cultural resources, the watershed, and aesthetic values, while generating economic, recreation, and employment opportunities for state and local residents. This legislation is a winning scenario for our environment and our economy, and I will continue to work to secure its passage. U.S. Senator Jon Kyl is the Assistant Republican Leader and serves on the Senate Finance and Judiciary committees. Visit his website at www.kyl.senate.gov.