WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita) today announced that he has introduced the Soledad Canyon Mine Act (H.R. 5887), legislation that incorporates an agreement reached by the City of Santa Clarita, Victorville, and CEMEX to settle a dispute regarding a large-scale mine proposed to operate in Soledad Canyon.
“Years ago, I made a promise to carry legislation to resolve the mining issue between the City of Santa Clarita and CEMEX if an agreement could be reached,” stated McKeon. “Today, I am pleased to report that with the help of our friends from the City of Victorville, we have reached that agreement.”
McKeon’s legislative proposal, introduced yesterday, would cancel two ten-year Soledad Canyon mining contracts that CEMEX has with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), thereby ending the possibility of mining at the Soledad Canyon site.
“Santa Clarita has been rated one of the best places to live in the country and quality of life has always been paramount here,” said Santa Clarita Mayor Bob Kellar. “Enacting this legislation would be a major accomplishment for residents of Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County, safeguarding our cherished quality of life and preserving open space for generations to come.”
The legislation would also fully and fairly compensate CEMEX for having its contracts with BLM cancelled by providing the company with land near Victorville, California that is comparable in value to the company’s investment in the cancelled contracts.
“CEMEX continues to recognize the increasing need for aggregate products as California grows and makes significant additional investments in its infrastructure,” said Steve Wise, Regional President - Pacific Region, CEMEX. “Our company is committed to fulfilling the state’s need for building materials. In the context of this longstanding dispute, we appreciate that Congressman McKeon has crafted an equitable solution that recognizes our financial interests and also balances the community’s needs in Santa Clarita”
The agreement would also augment the City of Victorville’s strong economic development plan for their community.
“Congressman Buck McKeon has brokered a win-win agreement for all. The City of Victorville is pleased to participate in this agreement that protects community interests and provides for future economic development,” stated Victorville Councilman Mike Rothschild.
In 1990, CEMEX leased the rights to mine Soledad Canyon for sand and gravel from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The City of Santa Clarita and CEMEX announced a truce in February 2007 and agreed to seek a legislative solution that would result in an acceptable outcome for all parties. The Soledad Canyon Mine Act is the product of this close cooperation and the desire for a mutually agreeable solution.
McKeon went on to say, “with all the major players on board, we have a strong team to take this legislative proposal back to Washington and begin the uphill process of working it through the Congress.”
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