State Issues of Concern for the Alaska Mining Industry These key issues must be kept in focus in 2019
E ach year, AMA leadership and the AMA State Oversight Committee identify key issues affecting the in- dustry for the Alaska Legislature and Gov- ernor to use in developing legislation and regulatory focus during the coming year. Mineral Tenure Support needed statutory amendments to mining rights law, followed by coordi- nated regulatory revisions, that resolve the significant problems, including loss of land tenure, from minor mistakes and cleri- cal errors relating to affidavits of labor and qualifications requirements. Permitting System Restore an efficient permitting process and confidence in Alaska’s world-class per- mitting system by exploring innovative ap- proaches to attract and retain qualified per- sonnel. Promote and defend the stringent laws and regulations that protect Alaska’s environment, and uphold this process to demonstrate that Alaska is again open for business. Water Policy Require that designation of Tier 3 waters can only be made by a vote of the Legisla- ture. Ensure the State of Alaska does not re- linquish its permitting authority to private entities, such as delegating management of the state’s water resources by approving instream flow water reservations to private parties. Affirm that existing water quality regulations ensure environmental, fish and wildlife, and human health protections.
Equitable Local Taxation Ensure local taxes are broad based and equitable by amending state statues to pre- clude severance taxes on the metal mining industry. Permitting Process Require that water quality standards are scientifically supportable and developed using site-specific criteria. Ensure contin- ued availability of mixing zones. Ensure State coordination with federal regulatory agencies over Section 404 wet- lands permitting, mitigation, and manage- ment to ensure that projects have access to reasonable wetlands mitigation tools. Adamantly oppose federal encroach- ment on State’s rights, such as the use of preemptive federal actions and unnecessary permitting requirements. Oppose unwarranted Endangered Spe- cies Act listings and critical habit designa- tions in Alaska and ensure such decision are based on sound science. Oppose new policies that are designed to elevate one resource over another and recognize that existing policies have prov- en that Alaska mining projects successfully co-exist with the natural environment. Land & Mineral Management Resolve and process the backlog of appeals at the Department of Natural Re- sources. Maintain and defend State sovereignty over navigable waters as granted at State- hood. Require a thorough evaluation of min-
The Alaska Miner
January 2019
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