Assembly to weigh in on coal

PALMER — The Mat-Su Borough Assembly is set to discuss a resolution supporting coal mining in the area Tuesday and already people are lining up to give their two-cents.

“It’s supporting their permit renewal,” said the man behind the resolution, Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss. “It’s also placed in the context of all the coal leases up there that are potential.”

Usibelli Coal Mine announced last week that the comment period on its regular application to renew its mining permit had opened. Comments are due Oct. 14.

“Usibelli is encouraged by Mayor DeVilbiss’ commitment to economic development in the Mat-Su. We hope the assembly passes the resolution,” Usibelli spokeswoman Lorali Carter said in an email Friday.

DeVilbiss said he’s anticipating a big enough crowd that he’s asked for the meeting to be moved to the Palmer Train Depot. He also said that he’s not doing this because he’s opposed to short meetings or has some kind of a beef with the assembly.

“I really felt like it was time to stand up and be counted. As far as I know there’s never been any official action on this,” he said. “I think it’s time to let the world know that we’re either for it or against it.”

He also noted that Sutton coal is prized on the world market for burning cleaner than other types of coal.

“It’s something we can contribute toward cleaner coal being used in the world instead of the nasty stuff people tell stories about,” DeVilbiss said.

Opposition to the mine has been substantial. Neighbors have worried about potential pollution to nearby water bodies, noise from blasting and possible safety risks from increased truck traffic.

Usibelli’s plans are to truck the coal from the mine to Port MacKenzie to be loaded on ships bound for Japan.

On Friday, the Mat Valley Coalition, the people behind anti-coal signs cropping up near major thoroughfares in the Valley, put out a statement condemning DeVilbiss’ move.

“It is completely inappropriate for the borough mayor and assembly to support a coal mine that will threaten the health, safety and property values of residents throughout the Valley,” Jeremiah Millen of Friends of Mat-Su wrote in the release.

Usibelli has repeatedly said the coal can be mined safely with minimal impact to the environment.

Simon has also said that some realtors project an increase in property values as mine workers will want to live close to where they work.

“The Valley has grown significantly since this permit was first issued and the borough should realize that this is no longer an appropriate place for a coal mine,” Kirby Spangler with the Castle Mountain Coalition wrote in the press release. “If the borough votes in support of this resolution, and the mine is re-permitted, they will lose millions in property taxes.”

Contact Andrew Wellner at andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com or 352-2270.