Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today released the following statement urging the Administration to reject the Clean Water Act permit for the Pebble Mine project and protect Bristol Bay.

“As a West Virginian, I understand the importance of mining and the role it plays in our economy. We have learned a great deal from past projects and we know mining must be done hand in hand with responsible environmental practices. Alaska’s Bristol Bay region is unique in that it is home to the world’s most productive sockeye salmon fishery, which generates a proven $1.5 billion in annual revenues and supports 14,000 jobs. The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Pebble mine did not come anywhere close to assuring me that this world-class, pristine treasure would be protected for generations to come. To jeopardize it would be gravely irresponsible and I cannot support the Pebble mine moving forward. I urge the administration to do the right thing by rejecting a Clean Water Act permit for this project.”

###