In what we here at uSpark consider the team-up of the century, Assembly member Joaquin Arambula and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer have joined forces to oppose a controversial mining proposal along the San Joaquin River.
Cemex Rockfield Expansion
Attention, planning and land use nerds! 🤓 Grab your highlighters and get ready to geek out these Fresno County documents breaks things down.
“I am committed to preserving the San Joaquin River and find deeply troubling the mining proposal that could adversely impact the river,” Arambula told Fresnoland. In response, he introduced a bill aimed at stopping CEMEX’s proposed mining plan.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer has thrown his support behind the legislation, emphasizing the need to protect the area’s ecological integrity. “We must do everything we can to protect the sensitive river bottom area, which is vital to our region’s ecological health and long-term sustainability,” Dyer told Fresnoland.
Did Mayor Jerry Dyer just have a spiritual encounter with Mother Nature? Is he trading in his mayoral suit for a “Save the Earth” tee? What is going on?!
Despite growing opposition, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors appears to favor CEMEX’s project, moving toward approval of mining near the river.
In March, KVPR reported that Fresno County Board of Supervisor Supervisor Nathan Magsig, a key decision-maker in the proposal, declined to address concerns over Fresno’s existing gravel surplus and whether it undermines the need for CEMEX’s mining operations. Since 2017, CEMEX has donated $10,000 to the campaigns of several Fresno County Board of Supervisor, including Magsig ($3,000), Buddy Mendes ($2,500), Brian Pacheco ($3,000), and Garry Bredefeld ($1,500). Bredefeld later returned the funds, citing potential conflicts of interest in future votes.
For those looking to take action, The San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust is working to preserve the river’s ecological and historical significance. Learn more about their efforts and how you can help protect the river.