Pause permitting for the Fording River Mine Expansion

I am writing on behalf of North Idaho's river system, urging you to pause the permitting process for the Fording River Mine Expansion until:

• The completed recommendations of the International Joint Commission (IJC) are fully implemented and evaluated.
• Pollution from existing Elk Valley mines is proven to be under long-term control.
• Montana’s selenium standard of 0.8 µg/L is consistently met at the international border.
• Downstream communities, Tribes, fisheries, and local economies in Montana and Idaho are fully protected from harm.
• The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and other affected Tribes and First Nations have given their free, prior, and informed consent, and their concerns about water, fish, and cultural impacts have been fully addressed.
• Strong, enforceable safeguards are in place to protect shared waters for future generations.

Thanks for your consideration,