The Native People of the Americas stand united in opposing the Dos Republicas coal mine in the area near Eagle Pass, Texas. This project completely undermines Indigenous beliefs about the importance of our relationship with air, land, and water. The people of Eagle Pass recognize the danger to the community and reject this project.

There are no benefits of any kind from this mine -- only pain for the land and an unhealthy future for our children. This land is sacred and holds ancestral knowledge of the many Native Nations who have shared this living space over thousands of years. Coal mining is irresponsible and short-sighted. We believe, alternatively, in living in a mutually beneficial long-term relationship with the earth. We are at a tipping point in that relationship, brought about by greed and the loss of spiritual connectedness. It is urgent that we unite with peoples of all colors, faiths and regions to take a stand against this coal mine and other similarly destructive practices. We must transition to a world that is just and equitable for all peoples and respectful of the Earth.

Please add your name to the list of Native communities and individuals that have joined this fight. Please Sign Our Petition in Support and stand with us as we fight for a clean and healthy South Texas.  

Join us at 10 a.m. on APRIL 16TH at International Bridge 1 in Eagle Pass, Texas to walk to the mine. Together, we can make a difference! Supporter Nations and Native Organizations:

- Pacuache Band Cohuiltecan Nation

- Carrizo-Comecrudo Tribe of Texas

- Lipan Apache Band of Texas 

- Comanche Nation of Oklahoma 

- American Indian Movement of Central Texas 

- American Indian Movement of South Texas

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Top Reasons to Stand With the Tribes in Opposition of this Mine

1. All coal mined will be shipped to Mexico by rail car to be burned at Carbon I and II power plants in Nava, Coahuila (7 miles from the U.S. border and Eagle Pass). One of the most infamous polluter is North America this plant contaminates the air with plumes reaching as far as Big Bend,  and Chicago. So, Texas will receive none of the energy benefit and virtually all of the adverse consequences.

2. The parent companies of DRCP operate the largest coal mines in Coahuila, Mexico, where coal is available and cheap.

3. The mine will be a continuous source of dust, coal dust and crystalline silica pollution, not only from the mine itself, but from the 150 car train that will transport the coal through Eagle Pass. Train cars will pass through residential areas, elementary schools and city parks on a daily basis. Where dust will reach those most at risk the elderly and the very young.

4. Maverick County already has a rate of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) more than twice the Texas state average.

5. The mine will discharge all of its wastewater into Elm Creek, which then flows into the Rio Grande River two miles upriver from the Eagle Pass water intake. It will potentially endanger the sole source of drinking water for 50,000 people.

6. The mine is projected to operate for at least 18 years and to expand to over 25,000 acres, an area six or seven times the size of Eagle Pass.

7. Much of the mine, including coal mining blocks and sedimentation ponds, is located in a FEMA designated flood zone. Should a flood occur (as happened in 2013, 2014 and 2015) when the mine is in operation, all the sediment, coal fines and acid drainage contained in these pits would be washed out and deposited in the homes of residents along Elm Creek.

8. Previous underground coal mines are dangerously close to the new mine and to the community. The refuse (tailings) from those mines may contain toxic substances.

9. The property contains numerous sites of historical interest and affected American Indian Tribes were not consulted prior to the USACE permit being issued, nor was the National Historic Preservation Act evaluation process completed before construction began. Some historic sites have already been destroyed and more are in danger. 

10. Maverick County is 97% Hispanic and American Indian, and 34% of its people live below the poverty line. It is one of the ten poorest counties in the United States. This mine is a perfect example of Environmental Injustice: detrimental environmental actions imposed on a vulnerable community against its will.

The community of Eagle Pass and Maverick County have come out in opposition to the mine, however we need your help. Our calls for this operation to be removed have largely been ignored - it is only through your help and support that we can reach new ears.  

Please sign our petition and help us work to a healthier environment for our community and ultimately the world. For more information  - visit us on facebook or online at savemaverickcounty.com.