Anglers applaud the decision confirming rejection of the Pebble Mine.
CONTACT: Nelli Williams, Alaska Director, Trout Unlimited 907-230-7121, nelli.williams@tu.org
ANCHORAGE, AK – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers upheld its November 2020 decision to deny the Clean Water Act 404 permit to the proposed Pebble mine. The permit was denied because the proposed mine would cause significant degradation to Bristol Bay’s headwaters and was against the public interest. Pebble Limited Partnership filed the appeal in January 2021.
“The Pebble Limited Partnership’s 2020 mine plan didn’t meet basic standards, was widely opposed by Alaskans, and posed significant risks,” said Nelli Williams, Alaska program director of Trout Unlimited. “The hunting and angling community, and leaders from across the political spectrum, widely applauded the permit denial in 2020 and we commend the Army Corps of Engineers for standing by its permit denial decision. We look forward to the next chapter for Bristol Bay: establishing permanent safeguards for the region so that we don’t have to keep fighting projects that compromise the area’s jobs and incredible fish and wildlife in the future.”
Pebble Limited Partnership and the State of Alaska are currently attempting to overturn the region's Clean Water Act safeguards in court. If Pebble Limited Partnership seeks litigation over this permit denial, Trout Unlimited is committed to defending Bristol Bay on behalf of the thousands of anglers, hunters, and recreational outdoor businesses who rely on its world-class fisheries.
"The Army Corps of Engineers made the right decision. Alaskans and business owners in Bristol Bay have been clear that Pebble fails to meet the required standards to ensure clean water and healthy fish habitat,” said Tia Shoemaker, owner of Grizzly Skins of Alaska. “We are glad to close this chapter and look forward to securing durable protective measures for the fish and wildlife we depend on throughout the region to run our businesses.”
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Trout Unlimited is the nation’s oldest and largest coldwater fisheries conservation organization dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s trout and salmon and their watersheds. In Alaska we have worked in the Bristol Bay region for almost two decades along with thousands of members and supporters including dozens of businesses that depend on the fishery of the region. Follow TU on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest information on trout and salmon conservation. For more information on the Save Bristol Bay campaign go to SaveBristolBay.org or tu.org.