STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – State Representative Walt Blackman, Chairman of the House Government Committee, on Friday expressed strong support for the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) completed this year by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) for the Resolution Copper project. In a letter to the USFS, he urged the agency to move forward with the final land exchange authorized by Congress in 2015.

“The Resolution Copper project is a rare opportunity to strengthen Arizona’s economy—especially in the historic Copper Corridor and across District 7,” said Representative Blackman. “It will bring high-wage jobs, critical infrastructure investments, and lasting economic support for local businesses.”

The project is expected to generate thousands of construction jobs initially, with long-term mining operations sustaining employment and economic activity for decades. With average mining wages in Arizona exceeding $100,000 annually, Representative Blackman believes the project offers meaningful opportunities for working families throughout the district.

The FEIS is the result of more than a decade of environmental review and includes input from tribal governments, local communities, and other stakeholders. More than 23 local organizations have signed Good Neighbor Agreements with Resolution Copper to support responsible development and long-term management of the area.

“Resolution Copper has made a genuine effort to work with the community and earn local support—truly being a good neighbor,” Representative Blackman said. “This project is ready to move forward, and it’s time it does. I urge the Forest Service to act without further delay.”

A copy of his letter is attached and available here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/1R/250804BLACKMAN.pdf.

Representative Walt Blackman is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 7 and is Chairman of the House Government Committee. Follow him on X at @BlackmanForAZ.