Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva introduced legislation Wednesday aimed at blocking Resolution Copper from opening a mine near Superior, Ariz.
If passed, the “Save Oak Flat Act” would repeal a federal land exchange approved last December that transfers about 2,400 acres of forest service land to Resolution Copper. The deal opened the land to copper mining in exchange for 5,000 acres of the company’s land around Arizona.
Officials with the San Carlos Apache tribe have opposed the deal, saying some of the land included in the transfer holds religious significance.
“Congress shouldn’t be in the business of helping big corporations at others’ expense," Grijalva said in a statement.
Proponents of the exchange say they’re disappointed with Grijalva’s move. Senator John McCain said it’s “incomprehensible” that any member of congress would try to eliminate an economic opportunity.
