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Pebble opponents, backers take their case to Congress

October 24, 2019

Before those testifying could get a turn, some committee members weighed in. Committee Chair Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-California, questioned the process and actions taken by the EPA.

The EPA on July 2 said the draft EIS lacked critical information on potential risks to Bristol Bay's watershed. Later that month, the EPA removed an Obama administration proposal that mine supporters called a "preemptive veto." The EPA has since been sued over this step.

Napolitano took issue with the series of events that unfolded this year.

"I'm not convinced if we continue to let the process play out, as proponents of the mine suggest, we will end up with a final decision based not on good science and data," she said. "We need evidence in that this project is being properly reviewed and so far I have not seen that."