What happened: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sidelined its own scientific assessment showing that the development of Pebble Mine, a proposed mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska would harm the area’s ecosystem. The EPA had the ability to veto the development of this large mine if it violated the Clean Water Act (i.e. by endangering rivers, streams, and other water bodies in the region), but the agency forfeited this authority.
Why it matters: This action goes against the work of the EPA’s own scientists who highlighted in a three-year scientific assessment the tremendous environmental impact that Pebble Mine will likely have on the region. In particular, thousands of acres of wetlands, lakes, and ponds are predicted to be severely damaged by the proposed mining activities. By sidelining the work of their own scientists, the EPA is failing to carry out the duties of its agency to protect the environment, are actively going against the concerns of their scientists, and are endangering an important ecological habitat in Alaska.
Learn more about how the EPA ignored science-based environmental concerns and bowed to industry pressure concerning the potential development of Pebble Mine.