Smith slams abrupt EPA move not to allow development of Alaska mine

U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX), chairman of the Science, Space and Technology Committee, sent a letter on Wednesday to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy, questioning the agency's decision to block exploration and development of mineral deposits at Alaska’s Pebble Mine before any environmental reports or permit applications were submitted.

“A preemptive veto of the Pebble Mine before the EPA has all the facts sets a dangerous precedent,” Smith said. “No mining permits have been filed, so any assessment by the EPA is only based on hypothetical mining scenarios, and (EPA Region 10) Administrator (Dennis) McLerran’s recent statements only raise additional questions.”

The allegations arose after a report from former Secretary of Defense William Cohen that purportedly shows McLerran used an options paper to halt the mine and that he was influenced by outside groups opposed to its development.

“The EPA should base its decisions on the best available science, not a pre-determined agenda,” Smith said. “The Science Committee will hold a hearing on Nov. 5 to hear directly from Secretary Cohen on his findings."