Washington D.C. – Yesterday, the Biden administration and the Environmental Protection Agency took historic action under Section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act to protect Alaska’s Bristol Bay from the immensely destructive Pebble Mine, heeding the call of Alaskan communities and millions of people across the country to safeguard this critical watershed for the people and wildlife who depend on it. The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and the Alaska Center issued the following statements in response:

“We are overjoyed and relieved that Alaska’s spectacular Bristol Bay is finally protected from the decades-long threat posed by the dangerous and destructive Pebble Mine,” said Madeleine Foote, LCV Deputy Legislative Director. “This is a hard-fought victory for local Tribes who have not only served as stewards of these iconic waters for thousands of years, but also led this fight and united nearly four million people across the country to safeguard the lives and livelihoods that depend on theBay’s clean water and unparalleled salmon runs. We thank President Biden and the EPA for heeding the calls of these Tribal leaders and delivering on their campaign promise by allowing the residents of Bristol Bay to focus on a more sustainable future that respects the cultural, spiritual, and economic significance of these irreplaceable waters and protects them for generations to come.  ”

“This is a huge win for the families, everyday Alaskans, organizations, activists, fisherfolk, and Indigenous leaders who have committed years of their lives to this fight,” said Chantal de Alcuaz, The Alaska Center Co-Executive Director. “At The Alaska Center, we believe that Alaskan voices need to be in the spaces where decisions are being made for our communities’ and climate’s future. This is a wonderful example of what happens when Alaskans can come together and are listened to. We are now counting on our state and federal leaders to ensure this special place, fishery, and community is protected for generations to come.”

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