On August 26, Alaskans will have the chance to vote for Ballot measure 4 – a clean water initiative.  Supporters of the measure argue that this would reinstate stronger standards that were removed by local politicians. Passing Proposition 4 simply means that new mines would need to meet the same restrictions that are required of current mines. Reinstating these clean water initiatives would provide minimal protection of Alaska’s clean waters.

The Pebble Mine Would Be The World’s Largest Open Pit Mine :

Currently, explorations are underway to develop the Pebble Mine which would become the world’s largest open pit mine in  Alaska’s  Bristol Bay region. According to The Alaska Center for the Environment the Pebble Mine is a threat to the area, wild salmon, other wildlife and humans who live there. The area is especially important because wild salmon populations are diminishing in most other areas of the world due to water pollution.   A more detailed explanation is presented by Bruce Switzer Phd, senior technical advisor for Alaskans for Clean Water.

Opponents of the measure argue that this is designed to not only stop the development of the Pebble mine but also shut down mining in Alaska. They have much deeper pockets and are sponsoring an expensive campaign to promote their interests and discredit the initiative. Supporters of the mine want the high paying jobs that will last for some years and politicians want the income from the taxes generated.  Mining interests also argue that 5,000 jobs and $200 million in revenue is threatened by this measure while the proponents counter that 12,000 jobs and $250 million in revenue generated from tourism and commercial fishing would be threatened if the initiative does not pass.