The Columbian – Citing a âhost of concerns,â U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell on called Tuesday for an extensive environmental review of Âproposed drilling and possible mining near Mount St. Helens.
Cantwell, D-Wash., sent a letter to Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey and U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell urging a full review and public comment process. Both federal agencies are working with Ascot Resources, a Canadian company that holds mining rights just outside the Mount St. Helens National ÂVolcanic ÂMonument.
Ascot had planned to expand exploratory drilling it began in 2010 before a lawsuit halted the project earlier this year. The BLM and Forest Service are in the process of deciding what level of environmental review and public involvement are needed to evaluate the project. On Tuesday, Cantwell called for a full environmental impact statement â the most thorough process available.
âGiven the potential risk that drilling and mining in this location would have to clean water, abundant wildlife, and the unspoiled beauty that this region is known for, I believe a full environmental impact statement is needed to properly evaluate the merits of this application,â Cantwell wrote.
As one of the most beautiful states in the unionâand one of the richest in natural resourcesâWashington has a special interest in energy and environmental policy. And Maria has fought hard to uphold the stateâs conservation tradition, while also working to bring our energy policy into the 21st century.
Maria knows Washingtonâs business community â because, as an executive at an innovative software company, she was part of it. And as a Senator, sheâs led the way in helping businesses large and small throughout Washington grow, thrive, and create jobs.
Maria has taken a leadership role on safety and security issues, including defending our borders, strengthening our military, cracking down on gangs, and taking on drug crime in Washington communities
Middle-class families around Washington and across the country are facing tough timesâand tough decisions about balancing the family checkbook each month. Maria has fought to strengthen the economic security of Washington families and cut taxes for middle-class families.
