News Summary
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and other business groups back the Resolution Copper project, emphasizing its economic benefits amid legal challenges from tribal and environmental groups. They defend a recent court ruling affirming compliance with federal law, asserting the project’s importance for job creation and the state’s mining industry. The legal battle continues as stakeholders watch closely, understanding the broader implications for Arizona’s economic landscape and sustainable development.
Arizona – The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry and a coalition of business organizations have reaffirmed their support for the Resolution Copper project amidst ongoing legal battles brought by tribal and environmental groups. An amicus curiae brief was filed with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals requesting the court to uphold a ruling by a district court that affirmed the U.S. Forest Service’s compliance with federal law in granting approval for the project.
The coalition, which includes Greater Phoenix Leadership and several organizations representing skilled trade workers from across Arizona, is standing behind the district court’s decision. This legal action follows a challenge from the San Carlos Apache tribe and an environmental advocacy group, who are contesting the trial court’s ruling that denied their request to prevent the transfer of federal land to Resolution Copper. The land transfer is permitted under the 2014 Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act.
The plaintiffs argue that the environmental review conducted by the Forest Service, complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), was insufficient. However, the business and trade associations maintain that the district court properly interpreted the law. Supporters reference recent Supreme Court guidance which underscores considerable deference to agency experts concerning environmental matters.
The consensus among business leaders is that mining projects like Resolution Copper play a pivotal role in Arizona’s economy, driving job creation, community development, and tax revenue generation. The Resolution Copper project alone is projected to generate an initial investment of approximately $350 million, support hundreds of contractor and skilled-trade jobs, and bolster the United States’ domestic copper supply, which is crucial for clean energy initiatives and defense technologies.
Arizona stands out as a leading copper producer, supplying about 70% of the nation’s copper and ranking among the top three states for nonfuel mineral production. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce has pointed out that the outcome of this legal case will significantly influence Arizona’s competitive edge and its capacity to attract large-scale projects in energy, manufacturing, and other sectors.
Michael Bailey, general counsel for the Chamber, has indicated the necessity for clear and consistent environmental review standards that facilitate the advancement of projects beneficial to Arizona’s economy. The case, currently designated as Arizona Mining Reform Coalition et al. v. U.S. Forest Service et al., is in the process of being appealed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
As legal deliberations continue, stakeholders from various sectors are closely monitoring the situation. The implications of this case extend beyond just the Resolution Copper project, potentially affecting future initiatives within the state, especially in related industries. Business organizations argue that a favorable decision for the Resolution Copper project will not only support local job markets and community growth but also align with national interests in sustainable technological development.
Overall, the legal proceedings hold significant weight in both economic and environmental discussions in Arizona, highlighting the delicate balance between resource extraction and ecological stewardship as the state navigates its future in mining and mineral production.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Arizona Chamber Business News
- Arizona Mirror
- Resolution Copper
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Resolution Copper
- Google Search: Arizona copper mining
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
