The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is using Clean Water Act protections to prevent construction of Pebble Mine at the headwaters of Bristol Bay, Alaska.
“After extensive review of scientific and technical research spanning two decades, and robust stakeholder engagement, EPA has determined that certain discharges associated with developing the Pebble deposit will have unacceptable adverse effects on certain salmon fishery areas in the Bristol Bay watershed,” the EPA said in a statement today.
The EPA’s Final Determination can be read here.
“This is a hard-won victory for the Bristol Bay Tribes and community whose livelihoods depend on a thriving fishery, and it’s a victory for the millions more who are fed by Bristol Bay salmon around the globe,” Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert said in response to the EPA decision. “Nearly four million people from all walks of life spoke out against Pebble Mine over the last decade, including Native communities, outdoor athletes, environmental activists, hunters and the commercial fishing industry. I want to thank the Biden administration and EPA for listening. Patagonia has worked in solidarity with the community to protect this region since 2006. Preventing further development in Bristol Bay is exactly the kind of step we need to take toward addressing the root causes of the climate and ecological crises.”