The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona testified against H.R.1904, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act, at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing last week.

The bill authorizes a land swap between the federal government and Resolution Copper. The company plans to use the land for a copper mine in the Tonto National Forest.

Nearly every tribe in Arizona opposes the swap. The mine would be located near Apache Leap, a sacred site to the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and other culturally important sites.

“Many tribes go to these places for prayer ceremonies, to gather their ceremonial items, or for peace and personal cleansing,” ITCA President Shan Lewis told the committee, KPBS reported. “These places are holy.”

The project has significant political support in Arizona. The House passed the bill last October.

Get the Story:
Arizona Tribal Group Denounces Land Exchange Bill (KPBS 2/13)

Committee Notice:
FULL COMMITTEE HEARING: to receive testimony on H.R. 1904, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011 (February 9, 2012)

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