November 14, 2005
Tell Congress Not to Allow Mining on Public Lands
This week, the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the federal budget, which currently contains a proposal that would weaken US mining laws. If passed, the proposal would put millions of acres of public land, including lands considered sacred to Native Americans, up for sale.
TAKE ACTION and tell your member of Congress to say no to selling off America’s public lands: http://ga0.org/campaign/mining?rk=E7AwxC71gmGpE
This could affect several of Oxfam America’s partners, including the Western Shoshone Defense Project. For years, the Shoshone have been fighting to keep gold mining companies away from Mt. Tenabo, Nevada. This proposal would give mining companies the option of tearing up Mt. Tenabo – without any input from the Shoshone.
A Public Lands Fire Sale
Rep. Richard Pombo (R-CA), chair of the House Resources committee, is sponsoring the proposal. It would allow multinational corporations to buy our public lands -- whether they contain minerals or not.
We need your help now. Tell your Representative to vote down the Budget bill so long as it contains the Pombo mining proposal. TAKE ACTION to e-mail your representative today: http://ga0.org/campaign/mining?rk=E7AwxC71gmGpE
Congress has a responsibility to manage the nation's public lands for the benefit of all American citizens, now, and for future generations. Thank you for taking action to ensure Congress lives up to that responsibility.
Oxfam America wants the mining industry to respect the rights of poor people and contribute to the long-term reduction of poverty: http://ga0.org/campaign/mining?rk=E7AwxC71gmGpE
Sincerely,
Keith Slack
Extractive Industries Campaign Manager
Action Sponsored by OXFAM AMERICA http://www.oxfamamerica.org/
Oxfam America is a Boston-based international development and relief agency and an affiliate of Oxfam International. Working with local partners, Oxfam delivers development programs and emergency relief services, and campaigns for change in global practices and policies that keep people in poverty.