Bristol Bay Leaders Want An Answer From Alaska U.S. House Candidates About Protections

The following press release is courtesy of Arc Initiative:

(ALASKA) – This week, Bristol Bay Action Now (BBAN) released a questionnaire asking special election candidates their position on providing durable protections for Bristol Bay from Pebble Mine. The questionnaire was distributed to all candidates in the election for Alaska’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

“The Bristol Bay fishery is an economic engine for Alaska. Alaskans want elected officials who will safeguard Bristol Bay from the threat of Pebble Mine, so they deserve clear answers on where each candidate in this race stands on this crucial issue” said H. Robin Samuelsen, an Advisor for Bristol Bay Action Now. “For years, we have been fighting to protect Bristol Bay and we need to know that our elected representatives will do the same. Our hope is that the results of this survey will distinguish who in this crowded field of candidates will fight to protect our people, fishermen, economies and communities from the dangerous Pebble Mine.” 

Bristol Bay Action Now is a 501(c4) initiative working to secure durable protections for Bristol Bay and its people from the proposed  Pebble Mine through a dual track approach – EPA’s Clean Water Act Authority and 404(c) veto, and federal and state legislation. Earlier this year, Bristol Bay Action Now released polling from the research firm Moore Information Group and found that there is broad public support from Alaskans for action to protect Bristol Bay. More results include: 

• 64% of Alaskans oppose Pebble Mine, including an intense 50% of Alaskans who are strongly opposed to Pebble Mine– compared to only 12% who strongly support it;
• 62% support a dual-track approach to protect Bristol Bay that uses the Clean Water Act and legislation;
• 66% support action by the EPA to protect Bristol Bay;
• 70% of Alaskans agree that it is reasonable to be pro-development and still oppose risky projects like Pebble Mine.

Results of the survey will be released to the public later this month.