The Pebble Prospect is unique in Alaska because its estimated value and size would make it one of the largest mines in the world. It is also located in the headwaters of the largest and most valuable salmon run in the world. Infrastructure created in a pebble development may open the entire Bristol Bay mining district to otherwise non-economic mining claims. There has been much debate over this prospect and the potential negative effects on the commercial/subsistence salmon run and trophy sport fisheries in Bristol Bay. I do have a personal connection to the Bristol Bay fisheries, having tendered herring and salmon from Togiak to Ugashik River since the 1970's. As a Representative responsible for all the State's resources, I support sustainable development and protecting our fish in a way that does not put the State treasury at risk.

Although no mining plan has been advanced for permitting, there have been calls to buy-back the claims or outlaw their use. Having seen the potential liability to the state during the Coal-bed Methane issue in Homer, I requested a legislative legal opinion of property rights and when they become 'vested' under mining law. That legal opinion indicates the state could have significant liability if it precluded the use of property in an inappropriate way. Opponents of the mine have also solicited legal opinions which draw different conclusions.

My personal and non-legal analysis is that we can set extremely high water quality standards and operational requirements without incurring any liability. A mine can choose to operate under these stringent standards or not develop the property.

Representative Edgmon introduced a bill that would have severely restricted the use of any water in Bristol Bay. As Chairman of the Fisheries committee I held 3 public field hearings in the Bristol Bay region and gained a strong sense that the bill was so broad it would potentially restrict every facet of the economy of Bristol Bay. The Fisheries Committee Substitute passed from committee with my support and focused on water usage and discharge from large metal mines. Although this bill did not have a hearing in Resource Committee it addressed the issues of Proposition 4 in a less ambiguous way. I also requested 2 legal opinions in May and June and published them on my website to try to bring clarity to the 'Clean Water' Initiative.

Although some people want us to "Just say no" to Pebble and deny the existence of any property rights, it is the state's treasury which will be liable if they are wrong.