Nearly two years after Argentine President Cristina Kirchner vetoed glacier-protection legislation, her country’s Congress has approved a similar bill. This time, though, Kirchner says she’ll sign the measure, which is aimed at curbing mineral and oil operations on glaciers and in so-called periglacial areas. News of the Sept. 30 vote and Kirchner’s pledge cheered environmental groups. Green advocates argue that the proliferation of projects sponsored here in recent years by international mining companies are posing a threat to Argentine water sources, thereby jeopardizing the environment and human health. The view is not shared by Argentine provincial governors keen on attracting mining investment. Three of these governors, who head western provinces that include Andean glacial areas, appeared before Congress the week before the vote... [Log in to read more]