RDC Letter:
SB152 - Legislative Approval of a Bristol Bay Sulfide Mine

February 28, 2012

Chairman Olson
Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee
Alaska State Legislature
State Capitol Room 508
Juneau, AK 99801

Re: SB152 Legislative Approval of Bristol Bay Sulfide Mine

Dear Senator Olson:

The Resource Development Council for Alaska (RDC) is writing in strong opposition to SB152, a bill requiring legislative approval of any sulfide mine within the Bristol Bay region.

RDC is an Alaskan business association comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska's oil and gas, mining, forest products, tourism, and fisheries industries. Our membership includes all of the Alaska Native Regional Corporations, local communities, organized labor, and industry support firms. RDC's purpose is to expand the state's economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources.

One of RDC’s top legislative priorities is to encourage the state to promote and defend the integrity of Alaska’s permitting process and advocate for predictable, timely, and efficient state and federal permitting processes based on sound science and economic feasibility. This bill does just the opposite. SB152 sets a terrible precedent by effectively usurping the permitting authority of state agencies, creating uncertainty for companies that are both investing and contemplating investment in Alaska. It sends a message that the Alaskan Legislature does not trust the rigorous, science-based permitting process that is in place. Sadly, even hearing a bill such as this could elicit such feelings.

We urge each of the members to send a message that Alaska is open for business and not pass this bill out of committee. Thank you for your consideration of our comments.

Sincerely,
Resource Development Council for Alaska