A message from Gayle Hartmann, SSSR president:
Judge Soto’s recent decision has been a wonderful, first-round victory, as I’ve said before.
It’s as if a very large, red STOP sign has been erected around the edges of the proposed Rosemont operations: A STOP sign for which we are extremely grateful. And remember, this is just one of THREE cases filed related to the proposed Rosemont mine.
So, where are we now?
The deadline to submit an appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is 2 October 2019. So far, neither Hudbay nor the Department of Justice has filed an appeal. If and when they do, it will be all over the media and we will, of course, send out a message. It is our understanding that it will take from 18 months to two years for an appeal to be heard – there is a significant backlog in the 9th Circuit.
The second case, focusing on impacts on endangered species, has not been decided by Judge Soto. It was one of the “consolidated” cases presented to him in July. We expect he will make a decision within the next month or so, but he could take longer. We really don’t know how long he will take.
The third case, focusing on the 404 permit granted by the Army Corps of Engineers, will be “briefed” over the next several months. That means the lawyers on both sides will send their opinions to Judge Soto. The deadline for him to receive all their briefs is not until May 2020, so that case will not be decided for quite a while.
So, it is time to take a DEEP BREATH, RELAX (a little) and, if you’re so inclined, go for a walk, a bike ride, a horseback ride, a picnic in the Santa Ritas. Find a big oak tree, spread out a blanket and ENJOY!
As always, thanks for all your loyal support over all these years; we will continue to work toward NO OPEN-PIT COPPER MINE IN THE SANTA RITAS — EVER.
Gayle Hartmann
Gayle, thank you as always for your optimism and up-to-date knowledge! We appreciate your advocacy to protect the Santa Ritas. Best, Chuck & Ginny Stack
Thanks for all your efforts in saving the Beautiful landscape for people to enjoy. I am wondering if the power line project along Wilmot Rd from Tucson to the south is actually disguised as an upgrade. In reality may be power to the mine???
This is all great news, but we must stay vigilant!
The Trump administration and the GOP are doing everything they can to weaken environmental protections, so we must keep up the fight and vote these people out next year. It’s time to move forward with creating the Green New Deal, and ensure our leaders work for the people, and not the multinational corporations.
We cannot let Sonoita and Patagonia become mining towns like Morenci and Superior. Not on our watch, not ever!
Everyday, mine workers in Patagonia crowd the streets in their over-sized, diesel guzzling trucks. They seem to multiply in numbers every month, filling up space in Patagonia, then spilling over into highway 83 and other nearby towns. Their work spoils our land and leave us a mess to deal with.
I don’t blame them or hate them for it, as they are making a living as welders and laborers do. I blame the companies and politicians that bring them here in scores. They train these young men to spoil the land.
Let us make a new future for these places, where local land stewards and conservationists are hired to work, rather than creating a new generation of mine workers. We can retrain people and change the minds and hearts of a lost generation, who have been disconnected from Mother Earth. So much youth, energy and talent made to become earth-eaters and land spoilers. We can change that outcome and create a new vision for this economy.
Let us not forget our brothers and sisters in Patagonia, and in Oak Flats. We shall do whatever we can as voters and as concerned citizens to bring about a Green New Deal for Arizona. WE WILL keep our lands safe and unspoiled!
Thank you SSSR for all the work you do. Keep up the good fight, and I will do the same.