News Roundup: January 22, 2014

This week’s Pebble-related news included the release of EPA’s final Bristol Bay Watershed assessment, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich’s (D-AK) stated position against the mine, and the continued public criticism of HB77, a bill under consideration designed to “streamline” permitting.

EPA Critique Of Pebble Copper-Gold Mine Draws Praise, Blame From Environmentalists, Northern Dynasty Minerals (International Business Times – January 16, 2014)

This story includes reactions from both pro- and anti-Pebble camps. Read the full story

Begich on Pebble: “Wrong mine, wrong place, too big” (Anchorage Daily News – January 19, 2014 )

Sen. Begich tells reporter Lisa Demer that, after reading the EPA’s final Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment, he believes the mine is too risky. Read the full story.

Pressure on Pebble intensifies amid praise for Begich (Anchorage Daily News – January 22, 2014)

In a follow-up to its story on Begich, Anchorage Daily News reports additional anti-Pebble news ads and activities in Alaska and Washington State. Read the full story

Coghill expects further review for HB77 (Anchorage Daily News – January 22, 2014)

The controversial bill that would “streamline” the permitting process in Alaska likely will go to the Senate Resources committee for review, says State Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Coghill. Read the full story.