Council Reaffirms Decision Not To Participate In Go Green
EL PASO -TheCity of El Pasois refusing to let any of its departments participate in an environmental exposition scheduled for this weekend, because Asarco is the title sponsor.
City Council has held firm that the copper smelter should not be granted an air quality permit, that would lead to operations resuming there, based what the city calls quality of life issues, and how they’re impacted by air pollution, allegedly from Asarco.
Representatives voted 7-1 not to participate in the Go Green Expo. Only Rep. Alexandro Lozano, who put the item on the agenda, wanted to participate.
The vote was taken after a debate in council chambers, whichgrew to be somewhat contentious. After Lozano indicated he didn’t feel it was right for the city not to participate just because of the Asarco sponsorship, Mayor John Cook told Lozanohe was “easily duped.”
Cook also said he was not going to let the city participate in Asarco’s public relations campaign.
Rep. Steve Ortega once again made the comment that Asarco being involved in an environmental event is “like theKu Klux Klanhosting a racial equality rally.”
At least a half dozen private citizens voiced their concerns at the meeting, and many stated the city is doing the right thing by distancing itself from Asarco.
Bob Litle, Asarco’s new plant manager, said the city’s refusal to participate in the expo “was unfortunate.”
“I think that’s basically a political thing on [the city’s]part,” he said.
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Written for broadcast by Darren Hunt
Edited for KVIA.com by Miguel Martinez
