Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

June 30, 2016

Natives oppose Eagle Pass, Texas coal mine permit

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Eagle Pass, Texas is home to the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe
on the border of west Texas and Mexico.
Photo: Protest of coal mine in April 2016.

Contact: Vanessa Ramos vanessa.ramos@sierraclub.org
                       Matt Johnson  matt.johnson@sierraclub.org
***MEDIA ADVISORY***
Austin: July 6, 2016: Demonstration at TCEQ Headquarters in Opposition to Dos Republicas Coal Mine

Austin, Tex. -- Several Native groups, elected officials, environmental and social justice advocates will hold a demonstration and press conference at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to call on the agency to deny the wastewater discharge permit renewal and expansion for the Dos Republicas coal mine near Eagle Pass, Texas. The Dos Republicas coal mine is contaminating Elm Creek and the Rio Grande River with toxic chemicals and heavy metals that make the water unsafe for drinking and recreation, and damages the local economy. Rather than addressing this problem, the TCEQ is poised to rubber stamp a new water permit for the coal mine, but the voices of Eagle Pass residents will be heard.

A press conference featuring native and local voices opposing the Dos Republicas wastewater discharge permit will be held following the hearing at 10:30 a.m. outside the building. Speakers will be available for public comment and interviews.

What: TCEQ wastewater discharge permit renewal and expansion hearing on the Dos Republicas coal mine

When: Wednesday, July 6th; Hearing at 9:30am, Press conference at 10:30am (pending TCEQ vote)

Where: TCEQ Headquarters: 12100 Park 35 Circle, Room 201S, Bldg. E Austin, TX

Who: Speakers include: Tane Ward, Senior Organizing Manager for the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign, Mayor of Eagle Pass Ramsey English Cantu, State Senator Carlos Uresti, State Judge David Saucedo, Tribal Chairman of Carrizo Tribe Juan Mancias, and Martha Baxter, Representative of Maverick County Environmental and Public Health Association.
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Visuals for Media: People will be wearing white shirts, holding banners and signs.  

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photo
Vanessa Ramos
Associate Press Secretary, Beyond Coal 
o/512.477.2152
c/512.586.1853
www.sierraclub.org

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