WASHINGTON, D.C. – Alaskan Congressman Don Young today released this statement following the announcement by Rio Tinto to end its stakeholder interests in Pebble Mine by divesting its 19.1 percent ownership of Northern Dynasty Minerals.
“While disappointed, I’m not at all surprised to see stakeholders in Alaskan development projects ending longstanding relationships within our state, especially with the uncertain regulatory environment the EPA has created in recent years,” said Congressman Don Young. “In the case of Pebble Mine, the EPA has tightened its federal grip to the point of suffocation, prior to any application for federal permits. This expansive, jurisdictional power grab jeopardizes not only the rights of states and private property owners across the country, but endangers any sense of certainty for future investors in Alaska development projects of any kind.”
“I have always been clear; my concern for the EPA’s current process extends beyond the specific Pebble Mine project. A preemptive veto to any project located entirely on state land and already subject to rigorous state permitting regulations, seriously threatens any future projects on State of Alaska, Alaska Native, or even individually owned private land.”
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