Bennet Urges Secretary Jewell to Complete Environmental Assessment of Trapper Mine

Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today urged Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to complete the Trapper Mine Environmental Assessment before the April 30th deadline. Bennet stressed the importance of the mine's continued operations to the local economy.

In a letter to Secretary Jewell, Bennet wrote, "Coal mining, electricity generation and associated industries comprise many of the region's largest employers, making substantial contributions to the local economy. The Trapper Mine alone employs 180 people. The mine also provides fuel for the nearby Craig Power Generating Station, which produces a significant amount of baseload electricity."

Trapper Mine's permit was covered under the same environmental review that the U.S. District Court in Colorado deemed deficient for Coloywo Mine, but Trapper Mine was initially believed to be unaffected. Further review led to a negotiation with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) that requires a new Environmental Assessment in order to keep Trapper Mine operational.

Full text of the letter:

April 6, 2016

Dear Secretary Jewell:

I write to encourage your continued diligence to complete the court-ordered Environmental Assessment at the Trapper Mine in northwest Colorado. As you know, the analysis must be completed by the deadline of April 30, 2016 to ensure that Trapper's operations can continue uninterrupted.

Coal mining, electricity generation and associated industries comprise many of the region's largest employers, making substantial contributions to the local economy. The Trapper Mine alone employs 180 people. The mine also provides fuel for the nearby Craig Power Generating Station, which produces a significant amount of baseload electricity.

I appreciate your efforts in completing the required review on time. Please ensure that all of the necessary resources are focused on achieving that goal.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,