Rep. Huffman Celebrates EPA’s Decision to Veto Pebble Mine, Protect Bristol Bay

Calls for Continued Protections of Alaska’s Ecosystems

January 31, 2023

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) released the following statement regarding the news that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a 404(c) Clean Water Act veto to end the threat of Pebble Mine.

“For almost a decade, folks in Alaska have lived under a shroud of uncertainty over the fate of Bristol Bay. Today’s announcement is a hard-won victory for the region’s tribes and residents, whose lives and livelihoods depend on the thriving fishery. Millions of people – including commercial and sport fishers, tribes, businesses, chefs, and others – made their voices heard over the last decade, bringing us to this pivotal moment,” said Rep. Huffman. “I’m grateful to see the Biden-Harris administration living up to their commitment as environmental champions by closing this dangerous chapter in Alaska’s history. Communities that depend upon a healthy ecosystem should not have to face continual threats from unrelenting environmental atrocities like these, and I will continue working to ensure these special places are protected for generations to come.”

Rep. Huffman has been a vocal opponent of the Pebble Mine project: in March 2021, he wrote a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan urging him to use his authorities granted by the Clean Water Act to protect Bristol Bay, Alaska. In March of 2022, he opposed the agency’s announcement to delay protections by restarting the Clean Water Act review process. He has also led letters opposing the Army Corps of Engineers issuing flawed permitting of the Pebble Mine.  He also led amendments in both the FY2020 and FY2021 appropriations bills barring the federal government from moving forward with an Army Corps of Engineers permit.