State Issues of Concern for the Alaska Mining Industry These key issues must be kept in focus in 2021
E DITOR’S NOTE: Each year, the AMA State Oversight Committee compiles its annual State Issues of Concern document, which describes AMA’s critical and ongoing priorities to promote respon- sible mineral development in Alaska. This document is shared with the State of Alaska Administration and Legislature, and is used to guide AMA’s decisions to support, oppose and monitor legislative and regulatory proposals. The following positions were approved by the Committee for AMA’s priority issues affecting Alaska’s miners: Ballot Initiative Severability Support legislation that would nullify a ballot initiative if a court finds any seg - ment of the initiative to be unconstitu- tional. Mineral Tenure Ensure that State regulations written to implement SB155 are minimal, clear, ef- fective, and consistent with the statutory changes. Permitting System Strengthen Alaska’s permitting system by using innovation to attract and retain qualified, experienced personnel and ad - hering to timelines. Ensure that State agencies understand the role of OPMP to lead and coordinate State agency permitting activity for large projects. Promote and defend the stringent permitting process that protects 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 Leg- islature. Ensure the State of Alaska does not relinquish any permitting authority to private entities, such as delegating man- agement of the State’s water resources by approving instream flow water reserva - tions to private parties. Affirm that exist - ing water quality regulations ensure envi- ronmental, fish and wildlife, and human health protections. Defend and ensure reasonable Clean Water Act permitting policies are main- tained following the Supreme Court Maui decision. Equitable Local Taxation Ensure local taxes are broad-based and equitable by amending State statutes to preclude severance taxes on the metal mining industry. Fiscal Policy Immediately implement a comprehen- sive, long-term fiscal plan that ensures responsible spending at sustainable levels using budget reductions, use of Permanent Fund earnings, and new revenues from broad-based sources. Ensure State of Alas- ka fiscal policy includes strategies to grow and diversify the Alaska private sector economy.
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The Alaska Miner
Winter 2021
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