Plan B to delay California Cemex MineEven Republicans oppose mining:
Assemblyman Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, presented a measure on Tuesday to allow the public to provide comments on the Cemex mine project in California through a protest period run at the State Water Resources Control Board water permit application process.
Assemblyman Scott Wilk Assembly Bill 1986 was heard and passed 12-2 in the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee. “AB 1986 ensures we have a ‘Plan B’ to preserve our community’s quality of life and allow the public to weigh in on the project,” Wilk said.
“With the severe drought facing California, the dynamics of water availability in the region have changed significantly over the past 25 years since the initial application – it’s time our policy reflected that reality.”
Cemex’s current water permit was filed in 1991, making it 25 years old, and was never rendered a verdict. Reopening the protest period would enable community members and legislators to voice their concerns about the proposed Cemex mega-mine in Santa Clarita.
The Bureau of Land Management cancelled Cemex’s mining contracts last August as a result of pressure from Representative Steve Knight, R-Palmdale, and California’s two US Senators. However, CEMEX appealed the decision and it could take as long as two years to get a final verdict.
Scott Wilk said: “AB 1986 would allow the public, for the first time, to provide comments on the Cemex project through a protest period run at the State Water Resources Control Board permit application process.”
“Cemex’s current water permit is over 25 years old, and was never given a verdict. I’m hopeful that our community will be successful at the federal level in killing this potentially devastating project. However, my AB 1986 is a “Plan B” that would allow us to make the case with state regulators on why this mega-mine doesn’t work in our community.
Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, represents California’s 38th Assembly District.