Balash Leaves Key DOI Position
One of Alaska mining’s greatest friends in Washington D.C. has re- signed. Joe Balash, resigned August 30 as the Department of Interior’s as- sistant secretary for Land and Minerals. In that role, Balash lead key Alaska initiatives opening millions of acres for resource development by both the mining and oil and gas industries, while defending mea- sures to develop resources in line with best environmental protection practices. “While I’m saddened by Joe’s departure from the Department of the Interior, I know his efforts created a situation where the Department and Alaska’s miners are in great hands,” AMA executive director Deantha Crockett said. “He worked tirelessly to ensure reasonable regulation and access to the nation’s lands by multiple users, the very core of the what DOI should be doing at all times. I’m extremely grateful for Joe’s service, and I hope our paths cross in the future.”
Balash has been a regular at AMA events from local chapter breakfasts to annual conventions. He is a born-and-raised Alaskan from North Pole, who has worked in key state and Federal roles. Before going to Washington D.C. first as chief of staff for Sen. Dan Sullivan, he had been commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. “I’ll have more to say about my next adventure once I have fully separat- ed from the department,” he told the Anchorage Daily News in August. “I’m leaving on good terms — it’s all positive.” Balash told the Daily News his absence will not hurt the government’s efforts to improve conditions for resource development in Alaska. “The work is mostly done,” he said by text. “I put together a great team (to) do the work -- and they will remain.” Senator Sullivan said of the announcement that Balash worked tire- lessly at Interior “to promote the goal of American energy dominance, and understood that Alaska was key to that goal,” Sullivan said. “In do- ing so, he has helped set Alaska up for success for years to come. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.” “Alaska is in a better place because of his leadership and we thank him for his many years of public service,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski said, adding that the state’s strong ties with Interior will continue. He told the Daily News his accomplishments include guiding the first-ever joint-agency federal decision to advance development at Donlin gold mine in Southwest Alaska. He announced Sept. 4 that he is taking a new role in Alaska with Oil Search.
Joe Balash speaking at one of his many appears in Alaska during his DOI tenure.
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www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I September 2019
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