EPA Stands Firm on Decision to Protect Bristol Bay Salmon Habitat

close Video Top News Summary Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan expressed unwavering support for his agency's decision to block a proposed gold and copper mine in Alaska's Bristol Bay. The EPA vetoed the Pebble Mine project in January, citing concerns about potential harm to the region's aquatic ecosystem, which sustains the world's largest sockeye salmon fishery. Alaska has, however, appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court in an attempt to overturn the EPA's decision, arguing that it infringes upon the state's sovereignty. Regan, who embarked on a four-day tour of Alaska, began his visit in the Bristol Bay village of Igiugig. There, he engaged with tribal leaders to discuss waste management and energy generation while emphasizing the EPA's commitment to safeguarding the bay for ecological, cultural, and sustenance reasons. Regan affirmed that the agency's approach is to evaluate projects based on scientific findings and legal considerations. Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd., a Canadian firm, owns the Pebble Limited Partnership and remains committed to the mine despite opposition. Regan also plans to address environmental justice concerns, climate change, and pollution affecting indigenous communities during his visit, part of his broader "Journey to Justice" tour. Other Biden administration officials, including U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge, have also visited Alaska recently to address various issues.