Jaclyn Guzmán

Staff Writer

  The fight to keep the Dos Republicas coal mine from expanding and dumping pollutants into the river continues, but some do not agree that efforts have been worthwhile.

Maverick County Commissioner Roberto Ruiz said that the county has already spent more than $500,000 appealing actions taken by TCEQ that would permit the mining company to dispose of harmful chemicals into Elm Creek and the Rio Grande River. 

The Maverick County Environmental Public Health Association wants to continue to appeal the permit, said Ruiz, but despite spending so much, he has not seen any change.

“We don’t have enough to pay our employees and they want to continue suing,” said Ruiz.

Many people complain about public officials not bringing more jobs to the community, said Ruiz, but the mine does just that. If the mines were to close, families would be left without their source of income, said Ruiz. 

There are not many businesses that want to come to Eagle Pass, said Ruiz, and those that do, such as Chik-fil-A and Starbucks will pay minimum wage and offer mostly part-time employment opportunities.