Support for the mining industry in Alaska rang loud and clear in August when Alaskans soundly rejected Ballot Measure 4, billed as a “Clean Water Initiative” by its sponsors.
Opposition to the initiative was led by Alaskans Against the Mining Shutdown (AAMS), a group formed by the Council of Alaska Producers. AAMS staffed offices statewide and ran a strong campaign to fight the measure.
RDC worked closely with AAMS to coordinate efforts directed at convincing Alaskans that the initiative, if passed, could lead to a mining shutdown in the state and damage the economy.
A wide diversity of groups and businesses across the state also joined the effort, including the Alaska Federation of Natives, the Association of ANCSA CEOs, the Alaska Miners Association, the Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA), the Alaska Forest Association, the Alaska Trucking Association, the Alliance, the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce and numerous local chambers.
RDC launched a statewide advertising campaign to educate the public about the ramifications of the initiative. Page-dominant ads ran several times in five newspapers across the state in the week leading up to the election. Executive Director Jason Brune participated in debates across Alaska and spoke before local civic organizations about the measure. On Election Day, RDC board members and staff waved “No on 4” signs at busy intersections throughout Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.
“The efforts put forth by our members and other organizations in opposing Ballot Measure 4 was nothing short of amazing,” said Brune. “The outcome at the polls shows a respect and appreciation for Alaska’s tradition of safe, responsible mining and the benefits the industry brings to the State,” Brune added. “It also shows that Alaskans take seriously their responsibility in upholding the constitutional mandate encouraging development of Alaska’s resources.”
In an unprecedented move, AOGA passed a resolution opposing the initiative – the first non-oil industry resolution to be considered by the association.
“The use of ballot measures to enact laws governing technical matters such as water quality standards does not bring with it the necessary level of scientific analysis, nor does it provide the comprehensive scrutiny encompassed through the regular legislative or regulatory processes,” noted AOGA Executive Director Marilyn Crockett. “Quite simply, it’s bad public policy.”
Even Governor Sarah Palin, whose family commercial fishes in Bristol Bay, came out against the measure. When asked in the days leading up to the election about how she would be voting on the measure, Governor Palin indicated she personally would be voting against it, citing her faith in Alaska’s existing permitting process.
Proponents of the ballot measure claimed it was targeted at the proposed Pebble copper and gold mine in Southwest Alaska. They believed the initiative was necessary to protect the salmon fishery of Bristol Bay from Pebble. Yet the initiative made no mention of Pebble nor the Bristol Bay region.
Had the initiative become law, the State would have been required to revise already-stringent regulations, which ultimately could have blocked the development of new mines and expansion of existing mines. Current laws and regulations are set by scientific analysis and are approved by the state and federal agencies to protect the environment, wildlife, and human health.
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