The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF MINING IN ARIZONA
______
HON. PAUL A. GOSAR
of arizona
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize those that fight for true economic independence in this country, the mining industry. Recently, the Arizona State Senate passed a resolution recognizing and honoring the importance of mining in Arizona and the nation at large which was joined by the Arizona House of Representatives in a Concurrent Resolution, No. 2009.
As a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, a variety of energy subcommittees, and as former Chairman of the Western Caucus, I have worked with the mining industry and I understand the difficult job the industry has in navigating a political climate that takes for granted its indispensable and vital products. Indeed, many misguided, naive, or simply ignorant people seek to ban mining, restrict it, or eradicate it from our lands. This is foolish and only increases the costs of every product made with mined resources (which is almost everything) and makes us reliant on China and Russia.
I am proffering the Arizona Concurrent Resolution for the Congressional Record for all to see that at this time in history, the leaders of Arizona understand the importance of mining and will not allow federal bureaucrats and radical environmental socialists to shut down our key industry.
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2009
Filed: Secretary of StateState of Arizona,House of Representatives,Fifty-fifth Legislature,First Regular Session,2021.
A Concurrent Resolution--Recognizing the Importance of the Hardrock
Mining Industry to Arizona's Economic Well-Being.
Whereas, hardrock mining has played a central role in the development of Arizona's economy since before statehood: and
Whereas, copper produced from hardrock mining is one of the
``Five C's'' that established Arizona's economy and continues to provide quality jobs for Arizona residents; and
Whereas, copper and other minerals produced through the hardrock mining process are critical to developing and manufacturing low-carbon energy sources, including, PV cells, wind turbines, electric vehicles, medical equipment and battery storage; and
Whereas, each 3MW wind turbine requires approximately 4.7 tons of copper to produce reliable low-carbon energy; and
Whereas, PV cell production accounts for seven percent of global silver demand; and
Whereas, the World Bank estimates that in the next twenty-five years the world will need 550 million tons of copper, which is equal to all the copper produced in the previous five thousand years, to meet low-carbon energy demands; and
Whereas, according to the United States Geological Survey, Arizona was second in the nation in the value of 2018 nonfuel mineral production, which includes sand and gravel, cement and crushed stone as well as copper and other minerals such as molybdenum, lead, zinc, gold, silver, coal and uranium; and
Whereas, Arizona has been the nation's top producer of copper for more than a century, delivering two-thirds of United States copper exports and sixty-eight percent of the nation's copper; and
Whereas, mining activity and employment opportunities are distributed widely throughout the state and provide economic benefits for every Arizona county; and
Whereas, the hardrock mining industry is Arizona's second largest industry by economic impact, directly and indirectly employing more than 38,900 valuable and important individuals with an average income higher than Arizona's median wage in 2018 who are a part of the successes of the mining industry; and
Whereas, in 2018, the hardrock mining industry directly and indirectly generated $370 million in state and local tax revenues, creating a total economic impact of $11.4 billion; and
Whereas, to ensure that mining operations are safe for employees, communities and the environment, the hardrock mining industry is regulated by a combination of state and federal agencies, including the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Arizona State Mine Inspector's Office and the United States Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Therefore, be it resolved, by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:
That the Members of the Legislature recognize the importance of the hardrock mining industry to Arizona's economy and support the involvement of Arizona's government and the hardrock mining industry in any future regulatory changes to ensure that operations continue to be safe and productive for the State of Arizona.
Passed the House February 4, 2021 by the following vote: 58 Ayes, 1 Nays, 0 Not Voting, 1 Vacant.
Unanimously Adopted by the Senate:
Passed the Senate April 22, 2021 by the following vote: - Ayes, - Nays, - Not Voting.
executive department of arizona office of secretary of state
This Resolution received by the Secretary of State this 22nd day of April, 2021 at 3:15 o'clock P.M.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 81
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
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