Arizona and U.S. politicsHere's a little personal insight for all of my Canadian friends on Stockhouse.
In the U.S., the EPA is part of the executive branch of government. The Senate and House are one of three independent branches of government -- executive, legislative, and judicial.
In other words, regardless of what happens this November, the legislative elections should have no effect on how the EPA views things. President Trump would still have two years remaining on his term and as you may know he is pro-mining. As the head of the executive branch of government he is the ultimate boss of the EPA.
The Congressional district that includes the Gunnison project is represented by Martha McSally, a Republican. She is currently in a primary election to be held next week to determine who will be the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. As you may know, the Republicans are the conservative party in the U.S. The Democrats have evolved to be the ultra-liberal, left-wing party. Her successor in her Congressional district, because she was prevented from running for the House if she ran for the Senate, will most assuredly be conservative and supportive of Gunnison.
The Congressional district is conservative. It is substantially rural in nature which translates into people wanting to be left alone without government intrusion. Most people, including the local members of the Arizona State Legislature and other elected officials in Cochise County, which is part of the Congressional district, favor Gunnison for the jobs and tax benefits it will bring. Other than a small minority who actually live in the tiny hamlet of Dragoon and a handful of others, the opposition is from out of state which doesn't sit too well with most of the local folk.
It is my understanding that Native Americans did not voice any objection to the project. It is not on federally recognized reservation land. I know the issue was raised in the appeal but I can't imagine this objection holding up. Gunnison is in a state proclaimed mining district.
Some of you may have noticed reference to the ADWR study of the Willcox watershed. It is also my understanding that Gunnison is not part of that watershed.
My understanding of Canadian government is that you operate under a Parlimentary system. Meaning, as I understand it, that your Prime Minister, who heads the majority party, essentially also serves as both a legislator and as executive over the various government departments. Therein lies the confusion regarding the effect Congressional races have or in this case don't have over EPA policy.
As always, do your own due diligence.