Legislative Letter

Dear Representative Owens,

My name is Chris Pedroza, and I am a Senior at Judge Memorial Catholic High School. I’m writing this letter regarding SCR009, Concurrent Resolution Regarding Critical Minerals Development and Funding. This resolution would be beneficial to the United States economy by decreasing the negative impact of tariffs. I’m concerned about the environmental impacts this resolution could potentially have on Utah and possibly surrounding states. 

Critical minerals are necessary and vital if we hope to have a green future and reduce overall carbon emissions. Extraction and processing of critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt produce a large amount of greenhouse gases, and evidence of this is clear if you look at countries like Chile. Lithium mining in Chile “has destroyed habitats, deprived communities and wildlife of fresh water, poisoned ecosystems and threatened species” (Friends of the Earth). 

I would assume that if this resolution passes, actions would be taken to prevent the harmful emissions from damaging the environment, but I would respectfully urge you and your fellow legislators to proceed with caution and simultaneously work to protect the environment while you work to improve the lives of Utahns and all American citizens. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I appreciate everything you have done for our state and country.

    Sincerely, Chris Pedroza