(JUNEAU) - The Northern Alaska Environmental Center (NAEC) announced today that they had reached an agreement with Teck-Pogo Inc. that will result in the withdrawal of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) appeal.

Representative Nick Stepovich (R-Fairbanks) was pleased with the outcome. "This resolution is consistent with my written request on April 26th and the numerous communications I have had with the principal stakeholders. I am happy to see that the parties involved could reach an agreement that moves this project forward and puts Alaskans back to work."

Hundreds of Alaskans will go back to work and millions of dollars will be spent in the Delta and Fairbanks economies. The withdrawal of the appeal comes less than a month after it was filed, and will provide Teck-Pogo Inc. the certainty necessary to proceed with project construction.

Representative Stepovich went on to say, "I stand united with the numerous Alaskans who showed their support for the Pogo Mine. The importance of this project was evident by the protests, numerous letters to the editors, articles and ads in the media, and the many phone calls and emails we received. The message from the public was loud and clear; open the mine. The message to the public is that responsible resource development is alive and well in Alaska, and Alaskans are going back to work."

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