Pub. 8 2018 Issue 1

9 MINING FOCUS WORDS. DANI GORDEN Advert ising Sales 801.676.9722 dani@thenewsl inkgroup.com federal level. Under the bill, projects that provide minerals vital to job creation, energy infrastructure, American economic competitiveness, and national security are considered to be “infrastructure projects” under President Obama’s 2012 Executive Order 13604, entitled “Improving Performance of Federal Permitting and Review of Infrastructure Projects.” E.O. 13604 directed federal agencies to significantly reduce the time required to make permitting and review decisions on infrastructure projects. It is important to note that the streamlining of the mine permitting process does not equate to reducing environmental protections. Environmental safeguards, an efficient regulatory system, and environmental stewardship are vital components to any mining project. It is more important than ever for the U.S. to responsibly utilize our own mineral and energy resources. In fact, it is a national imperative. But to really become a national priority, as a society we all need to make the connection between mining and our quality of life. We assume the things we need and want will always be there. We take for granted in this country that the lights will go on when we flip the switch, and our heating and cooling systems will keep us comfortable. But the bottom line is, without mining to provide the foundational minerals and metals for the things we use every day, our society would be much different. Like food and water, energy and minerals are essential. We welcome Executive Order 13817 and legislative efforts to allow the domestic mining industry to reach its true potential and fully contribute to our economic and national security. Considering the foundational importance of the mining industry to our way of life, these are issues that deserve our attention. Today’s safe and environmentally responsible mining industry is vital to the State of Utah, our economy and quality of life. It always has been and always will be. Mining is woven into the fabric of our society and our daily lives. We are all connected to the mining industry, and we all have a vested interest in making sure the industry thrives in Utah. President Abraham Lincoln once declared, “Utah will yet become the Treasure House of the Nation.” More than a century and a half later, President Lincoln’s vision is a reality and we are all better off for it. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of that. MarkCompton is the president of theUtahMiningAssociation. X