Press Releases

Today, members of the Western Caucus released the following statements after the Army Corps of Engineers published the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Pebble Mine project in Alaska. 

“Today's announcement by the Army Corps is a welcome one and is about fairness. The Pebble Mine should be given the same opportunity to go through the federal environmental review process as any other mining project. Regardless of whether this project meets the needed environmental qualifications to become a reality, any type of action to preempt the environmental review process is unjust and unfair. I thank the Army Corps for following due process and doing their job in an impartial way,” said Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Paul Gosar (AZ-04). 

“Fair, scientific, evidence-based environmental review processes are critical for the development of projects like Pebble Mine and others around the country. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is rightly moving along with this review process to ensure Alaska’s native species and natural resources are not negatively impacted. My colleague, Rep. Don Young, is a steadfast advocate for Alaska and a strong proponent of ensuring an all-inclusive view of how this project will affect his home state. I am glad to see the Army Corps following due process,” said Vice Chairman for Departments of Interior and  Energy Dan Newhouse (WA-04).

"The Trump Administration has taken another significant step forward in its transparent review of the Pebble Mine project, which includes public input and an extensive environmental analysis. The previous administration sidestepped a full NEPA process and pre-emptively vetoed this critical project before a permit was even filed. President Trump’s continued commitment to ensuring a fair environmental review process for domestic mineral development is crucial to our national security and economic well-being," said Chair Emeritus Rob Bishop (UT-01). 

“I applaud the Trump Administration for not giving into politics, and allowing this project an opportunity to prove it can fulfill our nation’s environmental standards. In Northern Minnesota, the Obama Administration and House Democrats have refused to allow for the normal review process, even for projects that are willing to demonstrate their adherence to environmentally sound practices. It’s not right here, and it’s not right in Alaska. I appreciate the Trump Administration’s dedication to ensuring economic opportunity, and for allowing this process to move forward,” said Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06).

Background 

The Pebble Mine is a proposed 8,390 acre copper and gold mine in Southwestern Alaska. The copper deposit on the proposed site is one of the largest in the world, estimated at 80 billion pounds. The project is projected to create 750-1,000 direct jobs and operate for 20 years.

Yesterday, the Army Corps of Engineers published their final Environmental Impact Statement, which can be seen HERE.