Greetings from Bristol Bay...
I have to admit that I agree with about 90% of what Lisa wrote, however let's address some facts. The EPA has never said that this review was in preparation for making any "pre-emptive" decisions. Yes, this was the language used by a variety of Our local entities that had contacted the EPA in working to further our struggle to protect Bristol Bay from the environmental changes brought about by industrial mining and carbon fuel extraction. But, let's back up to before the EPA jumped in... Let's look at the corruption, water use permit violations, fish counts (PLP's counts) and lobbying against the best interests of Our Bay. We'll address the economic benefits and catch up in just a few lines.
Just this week a judge had to order two local officials to cease and desist business dealings with the project. The local municipality stands to earn about 2% in severance taxes from the resource. As usual though, in small rural communities peoples roles can become a bit entangled. This is what happened here... but that is only the most recent story.
How many gallons of stream water did the take illegally from spawning streams during their exploration? Several years ago PLP was caught extracting water from outside of the designated area defined in the exploration permit. They self-reported and paid a minimal fine. This goes to support the alternate meaning of AK-DNR... Does Not Regulate.
Oh... and how much did the foreign interests spend to shoot down the AK Ballot initiative that was seeking to re-instate a coastal management voice for Alaskans in Federal decision making? And Yes the AK-GOP was against this as well. Strange that they wanted to cede Alaskan voices to the Federal Gov't while they also rail unnecessarily against the EPA.
Now... 88MPH and back to now and those jobs. Mr. Shively says they are aiming at what percentage of local hire? Does local hire mean AK residents that relly live in the Valley or does it mean residents of Bristol Bay? Simple math... 2000 X .15 = 300 at what wage? Because most of these will be in low range ($20-30) positions if they are lucky. But wait, let's also remember that there are several other projects waiting in the wings. So, let's say that the destruction of the headwaters to the largest Wild Sockeye run across the globe produces 2000 local jobs for the next 150 years. What then? Well, I guess then the jobs will be in the maintenance of those billions of gallons of toxic waste up on top of those mountains. Sounds like a damn dandy ideas huh folks?
So Anyway... I'm not gonna rant and rave here, if you're interested in more information, check my blog. jonrcorbett.blogspot.com
The Sun is out and there's lot's of stuff to be done before the chill sets in upon us...
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-a-environment/246949-epas-alaska-power-grab-will-hurt-the-nationhttp://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-a-environment/246949-epas-alaska-power-grab-will-hurt-the-nation