Attorney General Taylor:
As lawmakers, we are deeply concerned with your decision to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s veto of Pebble Mine. We believe this action is misguided, goes against the will of Alaskans, and is contrary to the best interests of our state and its people.
According to a 2020 poll, two in three Alaskans are opposed to the Pebble Project. Alaska Native Tribes, fishermen, business owners, conservationists, and everyday Alaskans have all voiced concern about the impact Pebble Mine would have on Bristol Bay. Bristol Bay is an area of immense ecological and economic value, with a salmon population unrivaled anywhere in North America. This region is home to the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery and one of the most prolific king salmon runs on earth. Bristol Bay fisheries are estimated to generate over $2 billion annually and create 15,000 jobs. The Bay is also an important subsistence resource for many Alaskans with deep cultural and historical roots in this region. Pebble Mine poses an unacceptable risk to this invaluable ecosystem.
The state’s petition is likely to require many years of expensive litigation. We urge you to withdraw the petition and instead work with us to find ways to promote responsible resource development. Alaska’s fisheries are too fragile and too valuable to put at risk.
This post is a submission to The Alaska Current. Please send submissions to news@thealaskacurrent.com.