We have many concerns with the current legislation as submitted.

1. We are seriously concerned about the environmental damage and lack of safeguards that Governor Napolitano details in her August 24, 2007 letter to Senator John Kyl and her letter to Rep. Pastor. We are opposed to mining that will destroy the surface of the land when other techniques should be used. Our Governor's serious environmental questions need to be addressed.
2. We are deeply concerned about the many issues raised by the San Carlos Apache community and the strong support they are receiving from so many other Native American communities in Arizona. Link to Petition. We are also aware that Resolution needs to address a number of serious concerns voiced by the officials and residents of Superior, Arizona.
3. While we fully support the efforts of the State of Arizona to pursue a rock climbing park ("Tamo"), we do not support the idea that the proposed new climbing park is in any way a substitute or replacement for the 1,000's of rock climbing routes in the Queen Creek area that will be lost if this legislation passes. Climbing at Queen Creek is also within a very short & easy drive of the Phoenix metroplex whereas Tamo is much farther, about the same distance as Sedona, Tucson, & the Flagstaff climbing areas.

We feel that a careful analysis of the "Tamo" alternative reveals:

1. Tamo is not a substitute. It is further away and not of comparable quality.
2. Tamo is public land already. We're only getting partial payment for a road.
3. Tamo costs will be much greater than the monies Resolution is putting up.
4. The Governor has raised several questions with regards to Tamo.
4. The AMC was never a party to the license agreement worked out between the Access Fund and Resolution Copper and in fact Resolution Copper has never contacted the AMC for its input. We have serious concerns about the substance of the License Agreement and feel that any climbing being discussed must entail permanent and full legal access.
   1. The license agreement is inherently temporary.
   2. It is unilaterally revocable by Resolution at any time.

5. We do not feel that any action should be taken on this new legislation until many of these valid concerns and issues are addressed and especially with the possible reform of the Mining Act of 1872 being discussed. We are in favor of the passing of H.R. 2262: The Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007 with regards to the environmental safeguards of our lands.