Sandy Bahr, sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org
Virginia Cramer, virginia.cramer@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today Rep. Grijalva introduced the Save Oak Flat Act to permanently protect the Oak Flat area of Tonto National Forest from destructive mining proposals.
In response Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter Director Sandy Bahr issued the following statement:
Sierra Club enthusiastically supports the Save Oak Flat Act to permanently protect Oak Flat, or Chi’chil Bildagoteel, an area sacred to the San Carlos Apache and numerous other Tribes. Allowing an international mining giant to turn these sacred and unique lands on the Tonto National Forest into a giant crater is not in the public’s interest and is frankly unconscionable. This bill will halt that and restore the protections for the lands. We really appreciate Chairman Grijalva’s sustained effort to protect Oak Flat and hope the Congress will move forward with passing it.
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.