I have endured three years of toilet jokes and other insults...

I have endured three years of toilet jokes and other insults here involving false accusations that I have some connection to the Indian tribes opposed to Thacker Pass. That is the case involving the Nevada clay mine, still nowhere near production, that was opposed by non-Native rancher Edward Bartell. I have frequently reminded those who will not see, of who brought the lawsuit. Don’t tell me now that I’m pro-Indian, when I am just pro-information.

It is true that the Hualapai have the best case to oppose Big Sandy, because the incomplete 2021 BLM environmental assessment admitted that their concerns were never addressed and they did not have a seat at the table. Three years later, BLM may have agreed that their best objection is that the 14 drill holes just north of Hakamwe may indeed jeopardize the aquifer for the springs, as the hydrologist report warned. Has AZL unilaterally withdrawn these locations? Again, I am pro-information. I’m just asking for an explanation of why 145 holes has now become 131 holes.

The ranchers in the area (and the Hualapai are a member of this group) are more concerned about groundwater, as is the administration of the new governor of Arizona. To mine clay, you need a lot of acid. To make the acid, you need a lot of water. You don’t have to be Native American to worry about your cattle dying of thirst.