ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Alaska Rep. Mary Peltola introduced a bill on Wednesday that would codify a key determination by the Environmental Protection Agency on the environmental impacts of the proposed Pebble Mine.
If the bill is passed, the EPA decision that the Clean Water Act’s limitation on certain water discharges in the Bristol Bay watershed would stand up in the face of any future opposition by other administrations.
“I came to DC to stand up for fish – to make fishing and the livelihoods of our fishing communities the national issue it deserves to be,” Peltola said in a statement.
“Whole communities rely on Bristol Bay’s watershed for subsistence and as a deeply interwoven part of their social and cultural practices. In introducing this bill, we’re moving to protect our fisheries and streams, water supply, and the deep value that these waters have had to Alaska Natives who have relied on them for thousands of years.”
In her run for Congress, Peltola campaigned on what she called a “pro-fish” platform. Among Alaska’s congressional delegation, she has been the most ardent opponent of the mine.
But Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan also do not support the project, which has been assailed by a large swath of Alaska’s population, including Alaska Native groups.
“EPA’s Final Determination is confirmation that Bristol Bay is a special place and Pebble mine represents a unique threat to our region, economy, and way of life,” Bristol Bay Native Corporation President and CEO Jason Metrokin said after the EPA’s 2023 decision.
“It is the product of more than a decade of rigorous scientific analysis and public comment, supported by a unified coalition of stakeholders from Alaska and beyond. Most important, the Final Determination provides the people of Bristol Bay with greater certainty that Pebble (Mine) will never be built.”
Peltola praised the EPA’s move and offered different messages to those living in the Bristol Bay region and those who support the mine.
“After decades of regulatory uncertainty, I hope that this ruling gives the people who live and work in Bristol Bay the stability and peace of mind they deserve and the confidence that this incredible salmon run will no longer be threatened,” she said.
“I also understand that some Alaskans might be disappointed by this decision,” Peltola continued. “To all of you, know that I am committed to our state’s development and to helping local communities build robust economies with good-paying jobs.”
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