Fix the EPA veto coalition Message From CEO Rebecca Logan
A lliance Members and Friends: One of our associa- tion’s core responsibilities is to identify threats to Alaska’s re- source industries and to advocate for policies that provide certain- ty for the investments, jobs and economic opportunities our state depends on. The majority of you are most likely aware of the 404 (c) Clean Water Act veto authority that led to a pre-emptive veto of the Peb - ble Project. Today, I am writing to inform you about an important national advocacy effort that means to fix this issue! Under Section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act, the Environ- mental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to veto dredge- and-fill permits issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This authority — commonly referred to as the “EPA 404(c) veto” — can create significant uncertainty for project developers and investors. Historically, this authority has been used not only during the per- mitting process but, in some cas- es, after permits have already been issued. The most notable example occurred when the EPA vetoed permits associated with the Spruce No. 1 coal mine in West Virginia years after the project had received approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For Alaska, the implications are significant. Future administrations could use this authority to chal- lenge or halt major projects that
would: n Establish clear timelines governing when EPA veto authori - ty may be exercised. n Prevent retroactive or pre - emptive use of the 404(c) veto. n Improve transparency, con- sistency and legal certainty in the permitting process. n Protect projects that have already received permits or are ac- tively moving through the permit- ting process. n Ensure that federal permit- ting decisions support national priorities such as job creation, energy affordability, economic growth and national security. How You Can Help We are asking our members to stand with us in support of this effort. By joining this coalition, you will help send a strong message that America — and Alaska — need a permitting system that is predictable, transparent and accountable. Together, we can help protect Alaska’s energy future, strengthen America’s resource security and ensure critical projects can move forward with confidence. For more information, or to join the coalition, please email info@ fixtheEPAveto.org. Thank you for your continued support and engagement. We look forward to working alongside you on this important issue.
have already invested substantial time, capital and resources into the federal permitting process. Projects potentially affected in - clude the Alaska LNG Project, Arc - tic energy developments, critical mineral projects, transportation infrastructure and other resource development opportunities that are essential to Alaska’s economy and America’s energy security. Our association has joined a growing coalition advocating for action to provide greater certainty and transparency regarding the EPA’s 404(c) authority. The coalition is urging the Trump Administration to issue an Executive Order that would estab- lish clear guardrails around the use of EPA veto authority. Building upon legislation previously ap- proved by the U.S. House of Rep- resentatives, the proposed action
PROUDLY PROVIDING ALASKA with underground, surface and helicopter supported core drilling for mineral exploration and geotechnical work.
Sincerely, Rebecca Logan, CEO
800-322-3201 • office@ruendrilling.com ruendrilling.com
8 THE LINK: The Official Magazine of the Alaska Support Industry Alliance | SUMMER 2026
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