Murkowski Calls for Pebble Comment Period Extension

After completing review of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed Pebble mine project in Bristol Bay, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today sent a letter to Colonel Phillip Borders, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District Commander, requesting an extension for the public comment period from 90 days to 120 days. Currently, the public comment period runs through May 30.

In her letter, Senator Murkowski acknowledged her appreciation for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for providing a public comment period twice the length of the required minimum comment period of 45 days, but cited a need for an immediate extension. Given the length and complexity of the DEIS, Murkowski stressed the necessity to extend the comment period by an additional 30 days in order to ensure that the thousands of Alaskans who have followed this project closely have the opportunity to provide meaningful feedback.

“I appreciate all the work the Corps is doing on this project to meet its responsibilities with respect to this permitting application. When the DEIS was first posted, I raised concerns about the length of the comment period, given the size and scope of the project, as well as statewide interest. After carefully reviewing the DEIS, I’ve concluded Alaskans need more time,” said Senator Murkowski. “The Corps permit is one of many the proposed Pebble mine will ultimately need to acquire, but throughout this process I want Alaskans to have adequate time to review and weigh in on the project. I expect their input to be taken seriously and fully considered in the development of the final EIS and the Record of Decision.”

Murkowski also requested the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers redouble its efforts to engage in meaningful consultation with the Alaska Natives who live in the Bristol Bay region, including ensuring local residents have the ability to provide input on the DEIS in a government-to-government setting in the region.