"Requesting the commissioner of natural resources to complete a management plan for the area encompassing the Pebble copper deposit and requesting a report to the legislature. "

The proposed Pebble mine is of such magnitude and potential consequence in the hearts and minds of Alaskans both supporting and opposed, that it is appropriate for the legislature to take particular interest in assuring a fully open regulatory process in full compliance with our statutory requirements.

HCR 29 is a legislative statement of support for Alaska's resource development community and an affirmation of our commitment to the due diligence requirements we have established in statute to assure responsible oversight and management of that development. Development of the Pebble prospect is subject to these requirements for a transparent public planning and permitting process.

AS 38.04.065 requires that the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources shall, with local governmental and public involvement, adopt, maintain and, when appropriate, revise regional land use plans that provide for the use and management of state-owned land.

The land use plan for the Bristol Bay area states the following with regard to the Pebble Unit:

"Mineral development in this unit is expected to be authorized after a public process that is as extensive as this Area Plan, and with the benefit of site-specific data and design that is …not now available."

HCR 29 concludes that this public process should be completed and a report of findings and conclusions be provided to the legislature prior to issuing final permits. The statutory public process will not interfere with work underway or needed to delineate resource reserves and develop site-specific plans for regulatory consideration.

This resolution is legislative affirmation of our existing statutory public due diligence process. It is not an investigation, evaluation, comment or conclusion on the facts or merits of any proposed development project. Nor does it embody any argument for or against any proposal.

The proposed Pebble development involves complex detailed scientific and public interest issues that need to be addressed on their merits in the public forum mandated by our current statutes. This resolution directs compliance with these requirements and that the legislature be informed of the issues addressed and conclusions reached.

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