Environment

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/22/business/energy-environment/a-clash-over-mining-and-water.html?scp=7&sq=environment&st=cse
Summary
Rosemont Copper, a copper mining company that proposed a project to dig a copper mine in southern Arizona has been faced with adversaries varying from local residents, businesses, farmers, and the E.P.A. Though Arizona already supplies the majority of U.S’ copper resources, Rosement Copper’s new operation aimed to further increase that amount. However, local residents are protesting its operation, fearing that the water-intensive operations will exacerbate the already low water supplies. Furthermore, the copper operation has been criticized as residents fear that the toxins from the mining process will contaminate water resources.

Connection
It is difficult to always balance the interests of various groups. In this case, it is Rosemont Copper versus the residents of the area. Given the economical benefits that Rosemont Copper can bring, it is also important to evaluate its detriments, such as posing as a environmental risk to the area. In this case, the presence of regulation agency, E.P.A can help set guidelines for which the company must meet to minimize its environmental impacts if the Rosement Copper's mining operation were to be approved.

Reflection
In the conflict between environmental safety and economic gain, economic gain almost always wins. For example, while carbon dioxide has been supported through extensive scientific research to cause global warming, fossil fuels are still being consumed. Another case involves the decision to exploit the Arctics despite risk of environmental degradation in search of fossil fuels. Thus, I predict that the Rosemont Copper mining operation will eventually win over the complaints of the residents.