Weekly Alaska Miners Association Report
by
Deantha Crockett (NGP Photo), Executive Director
Happy Alaska Mining Day! – AMA celebrates Alaska Mining Day today at branch meetings in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. As a reminder, Mining Day was enacted in 2013 by the passing of SB1, sponsored by Senator Cathy Giessel, that establishes May 10th as Alaska Mining Day. And because Mining Day is actually Saturday, celebrate then too. Happy Alaska Mining Day, all! Also at this morning at mining day breakfasts statewide, we unveiled AMA's new logo, which you'll notice above. Thank you all for your votes and input! (See our report on yesterday's Anchorage meeting. -dh)
EPA Inspector General to review EPA management of Bristol Bay Assessment – This week, the EPA Inspector General announced it will begin preliminary research to determine whether the EPA adhered to laws when developing the Bristol Bay Assessment. This is fantastic news – after multiple inquiries from AMA and other organizations were sent to the Inspector General and members of Congress, this is the right step.
Read the memo from the Office of the Inspector General to the EPA Officials here: http://www.epa.gov/oig/reports/notificationMemos/newStarts_05-02-14_BristolBay.pdf
Read article in Washington Times regarding EPA memos showing advocacy on a preemptive veto in 2008, long before the Assessment began: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/apr/30/exclusive-memos-show-epa-officials-tried-to-kill-m/
Also, see this article regarding current EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy’s thoughts that a mine at Pebble cannot operate without harming the environment. What is disturbing to me is her comment, ““It's not understandable to us at this point based on the information we have that the mine can proceed without impacting precious natural resources,” McCarthy said May 2 at the annual meeting of the National Wildlife Federation in Baltimore. “BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT WE HAVE.” Which is precisely why the project should be allowed to apply for permits. So that the information is actually available! Argh!! Read article here: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-05/epa-chief-doubts-alaskan-mine-can-operate-without-harming-natural-resources.html
Areas of Critical Environmental Concern – earlier this week, we received a briefing from BLM staff on Areas of Critical Environmental Concern. ACECs are done when BLM management feels special attention is needed to protect and prevent irreparable damage to historical/cultural/scenic values, fish or wildlife resources, or human health and safety. Right now, ACECs are being reviewed for the Bering Sea-Western Interior Region and the Central Yukon Region as part of the Resource Management Plans for these areas, with a deadline for comments August 29th of this year. AMA’s Federal Oversight Committee remains very concerned about how these can affect multiple use areas and we will keep you posted on what we learn and how you can provide your input.
BLM reviewing RMP process – On a similar note, BLM is also reviewing how they develop Resource Management Plans. RMPs are used to plan what uses are acceptable across very large acreages of federal land, so input from miners is crucial We have learned the National Planning team will be led by an Alaskan BLM employee, which does give us an opportunity to have Alaska voices heard. Federal Oversight will remain closely engaged in this as well. See Public Notice at: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/planning/planning_overview/planning_2_0.html
Interior Appropriations Hearing on U.S. Forest Service budget – Last week, Chief Tidwell sat before the Senate Appropriations Committee for budget review, and received hard questions from our Delegation. See Senator Murkowski’s address regarding her disappointment in the USFS management of the Tongass National Forest and questioning about reinstatement of the 2003 Roadless Rule exemption for Alaska here: http://www.murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=2f7775a6-83f5-4696-ae31-4d011dbb4430
US Amy Corps Placer GP Facilitator Communication – The US Army Corps of Engineers, and specifically the Project Managers we deal with, have been asked by an EPA facilitator working with the agencies on reissuance of the GP, for feedback from Alaska’s miners. EPA contracted with a Seattle based facilitator, Triangle Associates, to assist the agencies in their coordination for reissuance of the GP. After the last meeting, the facilitator wants to speak with people from the mining industry. Please consider contacting the facilitator and providing feedback. Without going into depth or detail, I understand and share your initial thoughts on the topic – however, it could be an interesting opportunity, if you have a half hour to an hour of time to be interviewed, to present your perspective. At least we’ll be able to say we voiced our concern and provided feedback as to how the permit changes could affect us. If you are able to participate, please contact Shanese Crosby, Project Associate at (206) 583-0655 or scrosby@triangleassociates.com You can learn more about the firm on their website at: http://www.triangleassociates.com. In addition, if you have further questions, you can contact Leslie Tose at the Corps at leslie.w.tose@usace.army.mil or (907) 753-5155.
Other Federal issues on the AMA plate this week: Archipalego wolf, Expansion of Clean Water Act definition of Waters of the U.S., Transboundary discussion in relation to mining projects across the Canadian border, and a newly released Department of Interior Mitigation strategy.
If at any time you have questions regarding the issues our Federal Oversight committee is addressing, or if you would like to join the committee, please don’t hesitate to contact me. As you can see, there is no shortage of issues!
AMA State Oversight Committee Legislative Wrap-up – this week, the AMA State Oversight committee had a session wrap-up meeting in which we discussed what went right, what went wrong, and what priorities we need to focus on moving forward. We will begin to develop our priorities for the 2015 session immediately – if you have any ideas and suggestions for what issues AMA should be advocating for on behalf of Alaska’s miners, please send them along to me at Deantha@alaskaminers.org
AMA Placer Mining survey – we have been approached by placer mine owners and operators to help with some permitting and legislation issues impacting small scale miners in Alaska. In an effort to better understand issues facing small scale miners and the economic impact small mines have on our state, a survey has been sent out to all placer miners in the state of Alaska (members and nonmembers). The last time a survey like this has been done was in the 80's, and the data has likely changed significantly.
The survey is completely anonymous on your part, and facilitated by a third party, non-government affiliated/independent consulting firm, the McDowell Group. The McDowell Group compiles all of the data for AMA's yearly "Economic Benefits of Alaska's Mining Industry" report, but it contains little to no data about the economic impacts of placer mining in the state, which is why we need your help!
Please take the time to complete this survey if you receive it in the mail, and encourage others to participate as well. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Bob Koenitzer at 866-586-6133 and if you have questions about AMA’s intent with the survey, please contact Alicia at alicia@alaskaminers.org or myself.
Vote No on 1 – As you know (and I KNOW you’ve heard, because the commercials are in full swing), it’s election season. A timely reminder regarding AMA’s support of the Vote No on 1 group: Vote No on 1 was formed to fight the referendum that will repeal SB21, the important oil tax legislation that passed the Legislature in 2013. Oil production is critical to all of us and I encourage you to join this coalition, just as AMA did when we passed a resolution unanimously at our 2013 Board meeting. Visit: http://www.votenoonone.com
Fall Convention moving to Dena’ina Center – As a reminder, we will move the Annual Convention in November to the Dena’ina Center. This year’s event will be held November 3-9. Planning is beginning now, with a new, gigantic trade show floor where large equipment can be placed, and capacity of nearly 300 booths is a possibility. We have room to expand luncheons, short courses, and technical sessions, and the sky is the limit! If you would like to participate in the planning of this convention, the committee meets Fridays at Noon. Email Amanda at amanda@alaskaminers.org if you have questions and interest.
AMA Service Directory and Alaska Miner Journal – the 2014 AMA Membership and Service Directory is out! A copy has been mailed to each member, and if you would like additional copies please email Amanda at amanda@alaskaminers.org Please take a moment to fill out this feedback survey for the 2014 directory: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/69BGV7W
Also, our newest version of the Alaska Miner Journal will hit your mailboxes next week. The feature story is Alaska’s Coal, and articles about the Alaska Minerals Commission, the Annual Fraser report, Chuck and Jenny Hawley, and U.S. Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative are also included. This Journal happens each month because of the generosity of our advertisers. Please consider sponsoring or advertising in the Alaska Miner!
Employer to Employee Engagement on Public Policy Issues – BIPAC, the nation's longest standing business advocacy organization, will hold a seminar, sponsored by the Alaska Chamber and Prosperity Alaska, on May 14th, 9:00 am – Noon, at the Petroleum Club of Anchorage. Learn best practices on engaging employees of business on public policy issues from the nation's pros and lunch with like-minded business people. BIPAC officials will share what is working best in other states, as well as interesting Alaska examples. Come away with practical tools and techniques for making workplaces more engaging and interesting, while having a surprisingly powerful impact on public policy issues important to your business.
Employees are the largest untapped constituency for advancing economic issues in Alaska. Anti-business forces in and out of state have done an impressive job garnering grassroots support while the business community has barely begun. We cannot afford this any longer, it is time to engage.
Northern Regions Mining Summit – The Institute of the North is holding a Northern Regions Mining Summit May 28-30 in Vancouver. The Summit will address the social, cultural and economic impact and opportunity of mineral resource development for Northern peoples in Alaska, Canada and Greenland. Read more at: https://www.institutenorth.org/programs/arctic-advocacy-infrastructure/northern-regions-mining-summit
AMA statewide branch meetings – Participate in your local branch meetings! For your reference:
Anchorage branch: meets every Friday, 7:00 am, Peanut Farm “old side”
Fairbanks branch: meets every Friday, 7:00 am, Carlson Center
Juneau branch: meets every Friday, 7:00 am, Prospector Hotel
Kenai branch: meets every Friday, 7:00 am, Louie’s
Nome branch: meets the first Friday of each month, Noon, at Polar Café
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