Controversial Pebble Mine Project in Alaska Faces EPA Hurdle

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The UN Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a plan that could permanently block the development of the gold and copper Pebble Mine project in Alaska. It is aimed at protecting the Bristol Bay in southwest Alaska, a region proposed under the Clean Water Act, according to the EPA.

The EPA has filed a motion in the federal court requesting to vacate the Trump administration’s withdrawal of block on the mine’s development, imposed during the Obama rule. In the event of a vacatur being granted, the EPA would initiate a review under the Clean Water Act. A similar review during the Obama rule had found the mine unsafe, which then led to commencement of administrative process to block the mine.

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The U.S. President Joe Biden, during his campaign, had promised to block the massive mining project, towards ensuring environmental protection, in response to calls by scientists and experts to protect the nature.

Commenting on the decision, Michael Regan, EPA Administrator said that the Bristol Bay Watershed is an Alaskan treasure that underscores the critical value of clean water in America. It reinforces EPA’s commitment to making science-based decisions to protect our natural environment. Furthermore, it will help in protecting a sustainable future for the most productive salmon fishery in North America, he added.