Gregg A. Cooke
Regional Administrator
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region 6
1445 Ríoss Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75202-2733

Dear Mr. Cooke:

I understand that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is contemplating the addition of the Molycorp mine site in Questa, New Mexico to the National Priorities List (NPL) under section 105(a) (8) (B) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. § 9605 (a) (8) (B). EPA usually does not place a site on the NPL without the concurrence of the Governor of the affected State.

I hereby concur that EPA should place the Molycorp mine in Questa, New Mexico on the NPL for cleanup under CERCLA. During this process, I respectfully request that the work performed by Molycorp, Inc. pursuant to the New Mexico Mining Act and New Mexico Water Quality Act be recognized and accepted as part of the CERCLA process as applicable.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson
Governor of New Mexico