Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, R-Santa Clarita, took the oath of office as the new representative for the 38th Assembly District at the state Capitol on Monday, and immediately went to work by introducing legislation to bring Santa Clarita’s fight against the proposed Cemex mine to the state level. Smyth introduced Assembly Bill 47 to initiate the process as specific provisions will be added to the bill when the legislative session begins in January.
“Throughout the campaign, I made it clear that if necessary I would take the dispute with Cemex to the state level,” Smyth said. “Due to the significance of this issue, I made AB 47 the first bill of my legislative career and I will do everything within my power to see that a just outcome is achieved.”
Mexico based Cemex Inc. has plans to begin operating a 69 million ton sand and gravel mine in Santa Clarita Valley as soon as 2008.
“A mine the size of this proposal would have major impacts throughout the region. Residents all over the Los Angeles basin would see an increase in traffic congestion, worsening air quality, along with numerous other impacts which would negatively affect the health and well being of our families” Smyth said. “We need to do everything we can to protect the quality of life in the region, and my legislation is another tool to shield the community from the damage this mega mine would cause.”