Western Caucus Condemns Biden Administration Move to Undermine Arizona Economy by Freezing Critical Mining Project

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the Biden Administration halted Resolution Copper’s proposed mining project in the Tonto National Forest by indefinitely postponing the finalization of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The project would be a massive investment in both the national and local economy. The proposed copper mine has the potential to be the largest copper mine on the North American continent and would create nearly 4,000 American jobs and generate over $60 billion in economic value.  

“At a time when our demand for critical minerals is only increasing, it's illogical that the Biden Administration has shut down yet another domestic source of these materials, which runs counter to the very goals they are purporting to achieve—reducing emissions and promoting American jobs. Instead, they continue to import the critical minerals we rely on from foreign, adversarial nations who extract these minerals with child and slave labor,” said Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04). “What's more, this senseless decision prevents the public from evaluating the project on its merits and ever reaping the benefits of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars invested in their community.”

“The Biden administration is kneecapping the economy of Arizona’s Second Congressional District and impeding the growth of our nation’s supply of critical minerals with their needless attacks on American mining,” said Rep. Eli Crane (AZ-02). “This is exactly the kind of investment our communities need and, sadly, the economic sabotage we’re witnessing is exactly what we’ve come to expect from this administration. I strongly urge the admin to release its finalized EIS and permit this essential project."

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