header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 28
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir


Commentary by Andrew G. Fried
| Thursday, Sep 3, 2015
Andrew G. Fried

Andrew G. Fried

It’s a natural reaction. When you have fought so long and so hard to defeat something, and it appears victory is yours, you’re inclined to celebrate.

But most of the published reactions to the Bureau of Land Management’s decision to cancel Cemex’s Soledad Canyon mining contracts have been nothing short of naïve.

Simply put, it’s a little soon to be singing, “Ding Dong, the Witch Is Dead,” while the witch still has a few flying monkeys circling over Soledad Canyon.

That’s why Safe Action for the Environment is concerned. We’re worried our community will now become complacent, thinking the war is over. Indeed, we’ve won an important battle — but to say this is over would be akin to the Allies successfully storming the beaches of Normandy in June 1944 and declaring ultimate victory.

As history shows, that was an important victory. But the war wasn’t over yet.

Hence, it was at once gratifying and disappointing last week: An important victory was won in the fight to save Soledad Canyon from the dreadful impacts of a massive sand and gravel mine. But on the heels of that victory, an array of local residents, commentators and media outlets immediately proclaimed the mine is dead, the war is won, Soledad Canyon and the community are saved.

Not so fast, everyone.

While we applaud your enthusiasm — and we’re thrilled that after 20 years, we’re all still on the same side in opposition to the massive mine Cemex has wanted to develop in Soledad Canyon — it’s alarming to see folks declaring ultimate victory when it’s very clear the last shot has not been fired.

Anyone who carefully reads last week’s 20-page BLM decision will recognize Cemex still has at least a couple of avenues of recourse, should the multinational mining giant decide that it disagrees with the BLM’s decision to cancel the contracts.

cemexflyingmonkeysAccording to the decision, signed by James G. Kenna, state director of the BLM, “These decisions may be appealed to the Interior Board of Land Appeals, Office of the Secretary, in accordance with the regulations contained in 43 CFR, Part 4, and the enclosed form 1842-l. If an appeal is taken, your notice of appeal must be filed in this office (at the above address) within 30 days from receipt of this decision. The appellant has the burden of showing that the decisions appealed from are in error.”

So, Cemex can appeal the decision administratively, and that’s just the first step in what could be a lengthy dispute. Any savvy observer would expect that Cemex just might disagree with the BLM’s decision, which contends in large part that the Soledad Canyon mining contracts can be canceled by the BLM because Cemex over the past decade and a half has not undertaken its contractually obligated steps toward developing the mine.

The BLM’s decision “rescinding and withdrawing from Mineral Material Contracts 20139 and 22901 as a result of Cemex’s failure to fulfill the requirements necessary to trigger the contract(s)” does not guarantee that Cemex won’t develop the mine, or that Soledad Canyon will be permanently protected from massive mining by an entity other than Cemex.

The BLM’s decision to cancel the mining contracts is certainly a major positive step. The SAFE Board of Directors sincerely appreciates the leadership of elected representatives who have worked so hard to defeat the mine, including U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, Reps. Steve Knight, Judy Chu and Brad Sherman, and the Santa Clarita City Council.

However, it’s naïve to assume Cemex will go away quietly. Yet, that’s exactly what our local media and many observers have done, at least initially, in reacting to the cancellation. In an avalanche of press releases, news stories and commentaries that came out immediately after the BLM decision, we saw language proclaiming the mine is “dead,” “killed,” “defeated once and for all,” and more.

But make no mistake: Appeals and other legal procedures can be a crapshoot. Even if Cemex exhausts the administrative appeal processes outlined in the BLM’s decision, the company can ask for reconsideration or seek recourse with either the U.S. Court of Federal Claims or the federal appellate courts.

Again. We applaud the enthusiasm. But please, we’re begging our friends in the community and the local media: Do not fall into complacency. The last word about the Soledad Canyon mine has not yet been said. As one local news article quoted Cemex representative Sara Engdahl: “Cemex remains committed to this project, which we believe is important to the development and infrastructure of the state of California.”

Engdahl further said, as of Friday, Aug. 28, that the mining company had yet to review the BLM decision.

In other words, the clock is ticking. Sometime in the first 30 days after the BLM decision we might see an appeal — and even after that, a lawsuit — in which the supposedly dead mining witch rears up once more, saying, “I’ll get you, my pretty. And your little dog, too.”

While we hope Cemex thinks better of it, we must remain ready to continue fighting the good fight. We’ll be ready to celebrate only when — and we hope this comes soon — all possible appeals and legal challenges have been exhausted, and the Soledad Canyon mining witch screams, “I’m melting!”

Until then, it’s a little too soon to click our heels together and say, “There’s no place like home…”

 

Andrew Fried is president of Safe Action for the Environment Inc. To find more information regarding SAFE and efforts to save Soledad Canyon, visit www.Safe4Environment.org.

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

11 Comments

  1. Carole Lutness says:

    Thanks Andy, I too am skeptical and suspicious. Like you say, CEMEX may continue this or some other multinationanl company may try to get the mineral rights to that property. One of my paranoid fantasies is that CEMEX may be after a big pay off after they keep dragging it through multiple court/appeals. The City would do well to annex it and make it open-space as soon as it is legally able.

  2. Where are the power rangers to fight this beast.

  3. Waterwatcher says:

    Thanks Andy, for bringing some reality into this announcement. I too am worried about the continued push for a mine in Canyon Country, After all, the BLM DID say they were canceling the contract for “non-performance” Didn’t anyone read that? That means they want to find a bidder that will extract and pay them for the aggragate and CEMEX isn’t. So we will have to continue to be vigilante, even after CEMEX has run through its appeals options that the BLM just doesn’t put this out for bid to some new mining operation. After all, basically all the other stuff they need is in place, though maybe stale.

    BTW – it has long been a theory held by many that if they don’t build the 21,000 unit Newhall Ranch project, they won’t need all the aggragate from this nearby mine. They are linked. That’s why Newhall always seemed to support it.

    • SCVNews.com says:

      The enormous Soledad Canyon mining project would serve the entire western United States. Newhall Ranch is a mere pimple in comparison.

  4. Dave Warburton says:

    Beats me why any company would want to begin business in as hostile a local environment as this one. Nothing but trouble from the public and local government at every turn.

  5. TimBen Boydston says:

    Well said Mr. Fried.

  6. Steve Petzold says:

    I could not have said it better myself.

  7. Alan Ferdman says:

    Thanks Andy. I agree, it isn’t over till it is over and that will not be true until the last appeal of this decision is finalized and the BLM agrees to not contract with another mining firm. We have got to stay on top of this. After it is truly over, there will be plenty of time to celebrate.

  8. Allan Cameron says:

    Thanks to Andrew Fried, my SAFE Board Colleague, for an excellent, factual piece on what the situation actually is, rather than what we all might wish it to be.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Did you know that each year, Main Street in Old Town Newhall undergoes countless makeovers for different events, such as Light Up Main Street and the Fourth of July Parade?
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley, issued the following statement Thursday in response to an announcement by Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of a proposal to change how calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are routed.
Monday, Mar 18, 2024
Unlike our children who enjoy a week-long spring break, we adults no longer have that luxury.
Friday, Mar 15, 2024

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDEC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
The first Music Jam Session at The MAIN was held on Thursday, Feb. 22 and was a hit. Come out and join in for the next one on Thursday, March 28 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
March 28: The MAIN to Host Musicians’ Jam Session
Los Angeles County Inspector General Max Huntsman of the Office of Inspector General has issued a report entitled "Tenth Report Back on Implementing Body-Worn Cameras in Los Angeles County."
Office of Inspector General Issues Latest Report on LASD Body Cams
College of the Canyons women's tennis played to a convincing 7-2 conference win over Ventura College on Moica to strengthen its potential playoff resume.
Canyons Closes Out Ventura 7-2 in Final Home Match
Join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce with the Latino Business Alliance at the Cinco de Mayo Networking Celebration on Tuesday, May 7.
May 7: Latino Business Alliance Cinco de Mayo Celebration
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is hosting March Meowness promotion where all cat adoptions are just $15 from now until April 9.
Adopt a Cat During March Meowness at Castaic Animal Center
California State University, Northridge is partnering with the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the Tataviam Land Conservancy to battle the impact of climate change in disadvantaged communities throughout the San Fernando Valley by establishing “urban forests.”
CSUN Partners with Fernandeño Tataviam Band to Build Urban Forests
Join the Santa Clarita Artists Association on Monday, April 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355, for the SCAA monthly meeting and guest demonstrator.
April 15: SCAA Presents Debbie Abshear Watercolor Demo
Residents are invited to join members of the Santa Clarita City Council for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the addition of Santa Clarita's 38th park, Skyline Ranch Park, 18355 Skyline Ranch Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351, to the Santa Clarita parks system on Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m.
April 6: Grand Opening for Santa Clarita’s 38th Park
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center is preparing for the annual fundraising event, Celebrity Waiter, with the theme “California Dreamin’” on Saturday, April 27 at Bella Vida, 27180 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351.
Table Sponsorships Still Available for Celebrity Waiter Dinner
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Ken Striplin | A Fun, Festive, Egg-Filled Day
SCVNews.com