Dear Editor,

 Arizona’s $3 billion budget deficit is the result of many factors. 

In addition to excess spending in the face of declining revenue, the state has lost many of the natural resource industries that traditionally contributed heavily to Arizona’s tax base. 

For example, at one time the timber industry contributed approximately $550 million per year to the economy, and the ranchers from just a single county (Gila) contributed $30 million per year. These and many other sources of income have been decimated by excessive environmental regulations that have shut down the timber industry and seriously restricted cattle ranching in the state.

That’s why it’s so important to support the mining community.  We can’t afford to risk losing another important industry. Arizona produces 60 percent of all the copper mined in the United States, employs thousands of families, and contributes billions to our Arizona economy.

I support the Resolution Copper Mine. This project has the potential to create more than 5,000 jobs and $45 billion in economic activity over a period of half a century. 

The company has demonstrated amazing responsibility for the environment, as well as going the extra mile to protect the public.

In their mining operations, Resolution Copper uses the most advanced technology available. They have a comprehensive water conservation and banking plan that is protecting ground water and guarantees they will have water for their mine operations for years to come, but will protect water sources of neighboring communities.

Arizona’s future depends on not only protecting the environment but also on building our industries and creating a healthy economy. We don’t have to choose between jobs, a prosperous economy, and the environment. We can have all three.       

 Sylvia Allen

Republican state senator

Snowflake