Abstract
Passed into law in 1970, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), exists to oversee American developments so they do not disturb the natural environment more than is deemed appropriate. NEPA is a critical piece of legislation administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for all developments on untouched lands, including residential, commercial, and industrial changes. In 2015, an amendment to NEPA was passed titled Fixing America’s Surface Transport Act, or FAST. Part of the amendment includes title 41 (FAST-41) shortened the NEPA process and cut out essential safeguards for the environment, according to many. The Hermosa Mining Project of Southern Arizona was the first mining development permitted under the FAST-41 amendment of NEPA. In just five years, a 600-acre mining development was cleared to operate in the ecologically fragile Patagonia Mountains. Furthermore, mining discharge has serious implications for the Sonoita Creek Watershed that flows into the Mexican state of Sonora. This report outlines the differences in permitting mining projects under NEPA and FAST-41 and explains concerns behind the green light given to the Hermosa Project.
Presenters
Nicolas Salgado StanleyStudent, Wildlife Conservation and Economics, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, California, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Groundwater, Environment, Policy, NEPA, Mining
