OPINIONS ARCHIVE 2000

November 7, 2000
The Sign Reads 'Public Land - No Trespassing'
by Senator Larry E. Craig
For three decades, our nation's public lands bank has swelled. But in the last few years these treasures have been declared off limits to the public by the Clinton/Gore administration. The administration currently is working to finalize a proposal it made nearly one year ago to lock up at least 40 million acres of land and tell the public to keep away. To the dismay of most of us in the West, this proposal was crafted in the dark of night and behind the backs of Congress and the public.

August 31, 2000
Voting is Essential - Especially for Mining
This November, Americans have the opportunity to exercise a right that not only defines our democracy, but represents a sacred responsibility for which millions have fought and even died.
I am referring to, of course, voting in our nation's upcoming election. Not only is it a constitutional right, but the casting of a vote is the embodiment of a grand and noble ideal that is the essence of this republic - government of, by and for the people.

August 28, 2000
Global Warming Issue Fuels Election Debates
As we near the November elections, the nation is preparing to deal with weighty transformations across a broad spectrum of important issues. As might be expected, these transitions are affecting everything, including the mining industry and the challenges we confront.

June 21, 2000
Mining Contributes to and Benefits from the Digital Age
Perhaps the most pervasive economic trend of recent years has been globalization of the world economy. Technological innovation and the digital revolution have made the world a much smaller place and increased the opportunities for industries, businesses and consumers alike.

May 25, 2000
The Real Key to a Sustainable Future
Demonstrations in Washington, D.C., related to April meetings of the World Bank (WB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) received considerable media attention - yet, many Americans found themselves scratching their heads regarding the point and purpose of the protests.

April 20, 2000
Looking Beyond Gasoline Prices
Until recently, most Americans worried about another energy crisis about as much as they though about leisure suits, disco music and other vestiges of the 1970s making a comeback. But all that changed with the rising gasoline prices that characterized the first quarter of this year.

March 20, 2000
Changing Times Affect the Climate Issue
The world is undergoing pervasive and profound change across a broad spectrum of important issues as we near the dawn of the 21st century. As might be expected, these "Changing Times" are affecting everything, including the mining industry and the challenges we confront.

March 20, 2000
Are Activism and Mining Compatible?
What is an activist? For many people, the term conjures up the image of a bearded "hippie" holding a protest sign and marching in a rally. And while there have no doubt been activists who fit such a description, this definition is far too narrow and exclusive for the time in which we live.

March 18, 2000
A Federal Agency Out of Control
The great thing about living in a democracy is that we have a government of laws and not men. Unelected government officials do not make laws. Their responsibility is to administer the laws approved by Congress whether or not they agree with them.

March 15, 2000
Challenges Increase, but So Does Mining's Resolve
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once said the "ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

March 15, 2000
Federal Government Impact Looms Large for Mining
Virtually everyone in our industry is aware of the often pervasive impact federal government actions can have on the ability of miners to produce economically. Misguided rules and regulations can affect the markets for our products. Where the government owns the resource base, it can control the very ability to produce at all.

March 14, 2000
Why Is the DOL Destroying Jobs?
Hundreds of men and women who work in small underground coal mines will lose their jobs if the Department of Labor (DOL) succeeds in implementing proposed changes to the Federal Black Lung Benefits program.