Victory! Army Corps Rejects Disastrous Pebble Mine near Alaska’s Bristol Bay

WASHINGTON – In an about-face decision, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today rejected a permit for the environmentally disastrous Pebble Mine in Alaska’s Bristol Bay watershed. The rejection comes after the Army Corps demanded environmental mitigation measures for the proposed mine back in August, after previously rushing forward final reviews of the project.

The Pebble Mine and related construction activity would directly jeopardize the highest concentration of brown bears in the world along with the world-class salmon fisheries which are the bears’ primary food source. Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks are within the Bristol Bay watershed and provide habitat for brown bears that rely on Bristol Bay’s healthy salmon populations. Bristol Bay salmon are the foundation of the region’s traditional culture, way-of-life, and a support a $1.5 billion-dollar commercial and sport fishing industry.

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has worked for more than a decade to fight the proposed Pebble Mine, for threats to water, wildlife habitat, and subsistence resources for Alaska Natives, related to Katmai and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.

Statement by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association

“Today’s decision smartly prioritizes the long-term health of people, national parks and wildlife including the world’s largest salmon run, over international mining interests. The Army Corps’ rejection of the Pebble Mine permit reflects the will of the Alaska Natives in Bristol Bay who have fought the mine for years as well as those who have fought alongside them to stop this disastrous mine.

“While today’s decision halts the Pebble Mine, it does not afford permanent protections, which the region deserves and absolutely needs to prevent future threats. The National Parks Conservation Association continues to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to veto the project.

“From Alaska to D.C., NPCA has worked alongside our partners for years, working to stop this dangerous proposal from becoming a reality. We will continue to stand with allies and advocates to protect this spectacular, untamed region of the country, its surrounding community and its vibrant salmon and bear populations.”

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its nearly 1.4 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.