Alaska House Bill 134
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House Bill 134 was a bill proposed in the Alaska House by Rep. Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham which would have prohibited "sulfide mining operations" in waters that would disturb the salmon population. It would have affected only one region of Bristol Bay Region, namely the area that included the controversial Pebble Beach. The bill was not approved.
Making of the Bill
There were 11 versions of the bill drafted. The Fisheries Committee came to an agreement on the final version of the bill on February 26, 2008.[1]
The version of this bill would have taken into account testimony given during field hearings in late fall in three Bristol Bay villages. It would have made the bill less stringent than the previous one which would have allowed water only for use of drinking and municipal reasons. The bill would also have called for legislative approval of any state leases dealing with mining in the area.[2]
Up to $1 million could have been levied in fines for those that violated the bill.[3]
Concerns
One question raised about HB 134 was which agency would have been in charge of enforcing and levying the fines on violators. Others were concerned about the long-term effects of the bill saying that it would cause an economic slowdown and would prohibit future mining projects.
Related initiatives
The Protect Alaska's Clean Water Act was a related initiative that was proposed in the case that HB 134 was not passed. The sponsor's of the initiative, the Renewable Resources Coalition, supported the passage of the bill and spoke during the public-comment section of the hearing for the bill.
See also
- Alaska 2008 ballot measures
- Alaska Initiative Law
- Campaign finance requirements for Alaska ballot measures
External links
Footnotes
