Nick Begich Opposed 2018’s Salmon Habitat Initiative, Which Would Require Public Hearings Before Permitting Decisions For Major Industrial Projects, “Notably The Controversial Pebble Mine”

Begich Opposed 2018’s Salmon Habitat Initiative. Moderator: “In 2018, did you support or would you have supported ballot measure 1, the salmon habitat initiative?” In response, Begich held up a sign reading, “No.” [YouTube, Anchorage Daily News, [18:02], 8/31/22] (VIDEO)

2018’s “Stand For Salmon” Initiative Would Require Public Hearings Before Permitting Decisions For Major Industrial Projects, “Notably The Controversial Pebble Mine.” “Alaska is in the midst of a divisive civil war over a ballot initiative that pits the state’s revered wild salmon fisheries against its powerful oil and mining industries. In the Nov. 6 general election, Alaska residents will be asked to adopt strict new permitting regulations for developing any projects with the potential to affect salmon habitat. Supporters of Ballot Measure 1 argue that the current permitting rules are outdated and ineffective. They’re asking voters to adopt eight pages of new policy that would, among other things, require state regulators to write specific scientific standards to define salmon protection and habitat. […] The Stand for Salmon initiative would require the state to hold public hearings before permitting decisions for some of Alaska’s largest new industrial projects on the drawing board, notably the controversial Pebble mine and the Donlin Gold mine.” [E&E News, 10/26/18]