RDC Comment Letter:
Support of Linc Energy's Coal Exploration Permits

September 30, 2011

Mr. Russell Kirkham
State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Division of Mining, Land and Water
550 W 7th Ave Suite 920
Anchorage, AK 99501-3577

Dear Mr. Kirkham:

The Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc. (RDC) writes to express its support for Linc Energy’s applications for Tyonek/Kenai and Healy/Anderson area coal exploration permits.

RDC is a statewide business association comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s oil and gas, mining, forest products, tourism and fisheries industries. RDC’s membership includes Alaska Native Corporations, local communities, organized labor, and industry support firms. RDC’s purpose is to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources.

Linc Energy’s proposed exploration activities would consist of drilling up to three exploration holes near Tyonek and two holes near Anderson. The application states that holes will be sealed and sites reclaimed upon completion of the exploration program, as required by the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Program.

Should underground coal gasification projects come to fruition in these areas, what is now a vast stranded resource could begin to benefit all Alaskans. The potential clean energy source could significantly lower energy costs for area residents, especially in Interior Alaska, where temperatures dip well below zero for weeks on end and energy prices skyrocket. Exploration is the first step in obtaining these benefits, therefore RDC strongly supports approval of these permit applications.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important issue.

Sincerely,
Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc.