The federal government is paying some Arizona farmers, some whom have farmed here for generations, to leave their fields fallow, due to mandated water cuts. It's become obvious that high water use crops like cotton, are not a good fit for Arizona anymore.
Copper mining is a very water-intensive industry. So why are mining companies allowed to pump unlimited ground water for free in Arizona?
Recently many of our politicians have pushed for copper to be listed as a critical mineral, and that mining it is a 'green energy 'issue. This will lead to expedited mine approval by circumventing environmental laws and concerns, aquifer depletion and contamination, disregard of wildlife critical habitat, destruction of Native American heritage sites, and disregard of public welfare.
Why do our politicians think that mining is so important for our state? Perhaps corporate money, propaganda and influence are clouding their judgment!
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What's more important, food and water, or copper; with the permanent destruction that it brings?
Stop 'Copper World' in our Santa Rita mountains!
Rick Johnson, member of the Save the Scenic Santa Ritas Guardians
Sahuarita
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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