Washington, DC
U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, made the following statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final Bristol Bay Assessment released today. In contrast to a fair and transparent regulatory process, the report analyzes potential mining impacts in hypothetical circumstances, even though proponents have not yet applied for a federal environmental permit.
"EPA is setting a dangerous precedent by justifying its political prejudices on a flawed Assessment based on hypotheticals," said Vitter. "Today's announcement shows just how Obama's EPA operates, choosing political motivation over giving a fair chance to businesses interested in investing in America and creating jobs. This is a very scary signal that the EPA is sending to businesses - that they are capable of and willing to kill a project before an application is even submitted."
Vitter and EPW Republicans have repeatedly questioned the EPA's commitment to fairness, transparency, and scientific rigor in their draft "Watershed Assessment." Click here to read more.
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