Gosar Jobs Bill to be Voted on By Full U.S. House of Representatives Next Week

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) announced at a Town Hall in Globe, Arizona on October 19, 2011 that the "Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011" has been scheduled to come to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives next week.

Congressman Gosar told residents of Globe "In order to get our economy jump started we must look to local companies for private sector solutions. H.R. 1904 The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011 is not just a jobs bill but a bill that will lead to emerging technologies such as wind and solar power, battery powered cars and other renewable, clean energy resources."

H.R. 1904 is legislation geared towards revitalizing the economy of Southeast Arizona and preserving and protecting Arizona's natural treasures. Specifically, the legislation authorizes a land exchange, opening up the third largest undeveloped copper resource in the world located near Superior, Arizona, in exchange for high-value conservation lands encompassing endangered species, sensitive ecosystems, recreational sites, and historic landmarks.

"Meaningful job creation is best suited to those who generate opportunities for our local residents. This legislation initiates a long-awaited land exchange that will facilitate the creation of 3,700 new jobs, providing for $220 million in annual wages for my constituents," Rep. Gosar continued. "The total economic impact of the project on the State of Arizona is estimated to be over $61.4 billion, nearly $1 billion per year, and another $19 billion in federal, state, county and local tax revenue. In these tough fiscal times, this is exactly the type of legislation the United States Congress should be taking up expeditiously."

The resulting project will also significantly contribute to U.S. mineral and energy independence. Today the United States imports 30 percent of its copper compared to 7 percent in 1993. This project will produce up to 25% of the current U.S. demand. That domestic source of copper is critical to increase development of alternative energies. For example, a single 3 megawatt wind turbine requires 4.7 tons of copper.

The Gosar legislation is also a conservation bill. The land the federal government acquires in the exchange is highly-coveted recreational and conservation areas. For example, the "Seven B" property, acquired by the federal government via the bill contains nearly 7 miles of the lower San Pedro River, as well as over 800 acres of ancient intact mesquite bosque representing what is probably the largest old-growth mesquite forest remaining in Arizona. The Nature Conservancy has identified this property as one of the "Last Great Places on Earth." The legislation strikes the right balance between conservation and resources utilization meriting bipartisan support.

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