Santa Clarita Launches Anti-Mining Ads

The city of Santa Clarita has launched a billboard advertising campaign condemning the Cemex Mining Co. in its bid to construct a 69 million ton mining project just east of city boundaries. The city erected the 80-foot-wide billboard on SR 14 at Sand Canyon Road. It depicts the words “Cemex Mega Mining” with a red line through it and the phrase “Think Traffic is Bad Now Just Wait.” The city contends the proposed mine would add more than 1,000 trucks to area freeways each day and hurt air quality. Santa Clarita has also started a mailing campaign denouncing the mine. U.S. Rep. Howard McKeon, who represents Santa Clarita, has introduced legislation that would limit mining in the area near the city. Cemex has opposed the legislation. Mining could start as soon as 2008.