U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, today made the following statement regarding the withdrawal of a partner in the proposed Pebble Mine Project in Bristol Bay, Alaska. The remaining partner has committed to continuing with the project.
"This is a prime example of why the economy isn't recovering. EPA and their far-left environmental allies are using unprecedented tactics to shut down potential projects and corresponding jobs before they've even begun the permitting process," said Vitter. "Our understanding is that the other partner will continue to move forward with the Pebble project, and in that regard we will persist in our efforts to ensure that EPA focuses on fact-based science and standard permitting reviews, and that the Agency cease its prejudicial regulatory tactics."
Although proponents of the Pebble Mine Project have yet to apply for a federal environmental permit, EPA has attempted to predetermine the fate of the potential project through questionable evaluations of "hypothetical mine" scenarios and a disregard for normal permitting procedures. Vitter and EPW Republicans have repeatedly questioned the EPA's commitment to fairness, transparency, and scientific rigor in their draft "Watershed Assessment."
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