TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) - A recent ruling on Sept. 24 allows a lawsuit against exploratory drilling in the Patagonia Mountains' Humboldt Canyon to proceed.

The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of local and national organizations represented by Earthjustice, challenges the Forest Service's approval of drilling permits without considering environmental impacts.

The court sided with the plaintiffs on two key motions, allowing the amendment of the complaint and the inclusion of new documents. These documents suggest the Forest Service was aware of the cumulative impacts of the proposed Hermosa Mine but did not consider them in its decision.

"This ruling validates what our communities have been saying for years: the Forest Service cannot ignore the bigger picture when authorizing industrial activi

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