Snowbird owner Rick Bass feels the heat over strip mine

Dick Bass, the owner of Snowbird Ski Resort in Utah, has caused consternation amongst environmental groups in the USA, by planning to construct what the Environmental New Service says will be the, “The largest coal strip mine in Alaska history.” along with a business partner. When burned the coal will generate tens of millions of tons of carbon dioxide , a major contributor to climate change, the objectors claim.

It’s sadly ironic that the owner of a business that is solely dependent upon heavy snowfall and consistent winters is pushing a project that is a direct threat to the ski industry and completely contrary to the ideals of outdoor recreation,”

said Ryan Demmy Bidwell with the Ski Area Citizen’s Coalition.
“Coal is the single largest source of global warming pollution on the planet. We’re already seeing impacts on climate and weather patterns in the West. And this man wants to sell millions of tons of coal to China so it can be burned? Utah skiers and backcountry enthusiasts should be outraged,” Bidwell added.
Snowbird Resort is an active and successful member of the US National Ski Area Association’s Sustainable Slopes program. Environmental initiatives of the program include reducing greenhouse gas emissions from resorts in order to protect the climate.
“Snowbird has been one of the leading ski areas in terms of addressing global warming,” said Mark Clemens of the Sierra Club. “In fact, they were the top award recipient from the NSAA in 2007. That’s what makes this proposed coal mine by Mr. Bass so troubling.”
In a statement Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort said, “We are proud of our nearly 40-year environmental record. Snowbird has helped lead the ski industry in environmental stewardship and undertaken award-winning efforts to clean up and preserve the local environment in and around Little Cottonwood Canyon. In 2007 we received the Golden Eagle Award for Overall Environmental Excellence for our precedent-setting mine cleanup project in American Fork Canyon.”
“Snowbird is one of owner Dick Bass’s diverse business interests, each of which operates independently,” the resort said. “It is not appropriate for Snowbird to comment on Mr. Bass’s investments beyond those pertaining to our resort.”

• Environment: Read all of the the news that is critical for you.