In Support of Fair Process for Full Evaluation of Proposed Pebble Project
Anchorage, Alaska – Following a decision by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to suspend withdrawal of a proposed determination on the Pebble mine project, a group of Iliamna Lake village corporations publicly called upon Administrator Pruitt to ensure a full and fair review for the project.
The village corporations include the Alaska Peninsula Corporation, Iliamna Natives LTD, Kijik Corporation and Tanalian Inc., which collectively have about 1,500 shareholders.
The group unanimously supports due process for this project and other exploration activities occurring throughout the region. The group noted that the jobs and economic activity brought forth by Pebble and other resource development exploration has been significant, especially for their shareholders. These projects have allowed village corporations to hire local shareholders and contract for services offered by various local governments, including tribal organizations. The resources created through seasonal and viable employment by exploration activities have contributed to sustainable communities, created jobs in an area with high rates of unemployment, and created access to energy for many who suffer the high cost of living in many parts of the Bristol Bay region.
The group wishes to reserve the right to determine for ourselves if projects such as Pebble can exist in our region with minimal risk to existing natural resources. “We stand in support of due process, and will evaluate the project based on the merits of the application process, not based on political interference.”
