Give locals say-so on mining operations
Jackie Adolph, Wellington
Published January 24, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
It was no surprise to me when I read about the Colorado Mining Association fighting local government authority over mining operations. These multinational corporations that the CMA represents are notorious for leaving behind a toxic mess.
The only way to keep this industry accountable is to protect the right of local communities to reject those mining operations that threaten to harm local water supplies. The state government should make sure that mines are properly cleaned up, but local citizens deserve the right to decide whether to take the risk with a mine in the first place.
I hope to see both House bills currently proposed regarding this industry pass. Our mining laws have needed to be updated for a long time. Please read House Bills 1161 and 1165 - they will assist us in maintaining local control over mining and protecting our water.
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