The regional administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has taken a major step in preventing the development of mines in the Bristol Bay watershed today, issuing a recommendation that may put a stop to the Pebble Partnership’s plans.
The recommendation follows a review of the substantial number of scientific evaluations, public comments, and technical information that determined discharge from mining enterprises is likely to damage the salmon fisheries of the South Fork and North Fork Koktuli rivers and the Upper Talarik Creek, all located within the Bristol Bay watershed.
“Those who think we can build a green energy economy in this country and stop mining at the same time are living in a fantasy world,” Shively said. “I suspect the Chinese are laughing at the U.S. for making it so easy for China to become the ‘OPEC’ of producing minerals critical for the world’s economy.
Pebble has proposed segregated storage for tailings, including the removal of pyritic tailings, a byproduct of copper extraction that contains large amounts of sulfides including pyrite that may alter the chemical balance of soils. It also promises that no tailings facility will remain after mining operations have ceased, but it may not be enough to satisfy regulators.
“We welcome the Environmental Protection Agency advancing the process for protecting Bristol Bay,” Executive Director for United Tribes of Bristol Bay Alannah Hurley said in a statement. “After twenty years of Pebble hanging over our heads, the Biden Administration has the opportunity to follow through on its commitments by finalizing comprehensive, durable protections for our region as soon as possible.
Tim Bristol, director of salmon action group SalmonState, released a statement saying protections of the area are welcome because of what it means for those in the area, both human and piscine. “EPA’s action is an essential step forward for Bristol Bay Tribes and communities, joined overwhelmingly by Alaskans, fishermen, conservation groups, scientists, businesses, and people the world over,” Western Director and Senior Attorney for National Resources Defense Council Joel Reynolds said in a statement. “Together, we have fought for more than a decade to stop the Pebble Mine and defend Bristol Bay’s extraordinary ecosystem.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
EPA regional administrator recommends killing Pebble mine, setting stage for final vetoThe EPA moved to deal a major blow to the proposed Pebble mine on Thursday, with the administrator for the region that includes Alaska recommending the agency stop the mine from being built.
Read more »
Biden moves to bar mining waste in Alaska, blocking Pebble mineThe EPA issued a formal recommendation Thursday to bar the disposal of mining waste in Bristol Bay, which hosts the world’s largest harvest of the fish.
Read more »
US EPA proposes higher biofuel blending volumes, EV programThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed on Thursday increases in the amount of ethanol and other biofuels that oil refiners must blend into their fuel over the next three years.
Read more »
Biden EPA proposes boosting electric vehicles through biofuels programThe Environmental Protection Agency is seeking to create a new electric vehicle component to the nation's biofuels program, the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Read more »
DOJ sues Jackson, Miss. over alleged water safety violationsThe Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Jackson, Mississippi over alleged violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act and Environmental Protection Agency orders.
Read more »