BBDF Press Release: One Year After Biden’s Commitment to Protect Bristol Bay, the Watershed and its Record-Breaking Salmon Fishery are Still at Risk

The Bristol Bay Defense Fund — consisting of Tribes, commercial fishermen, sportsmen, businesses, and conservationists — is reminding the Biden administration to Finish the Job started by the Obama administration. The work to protect Bristol Bay begins by resuming the Clean Water Act 404(c) process to provide the Bay the lasting protection it needs. Activities marking the anniversary include a full-page ad in the New York times and digital advertising.

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UTBB Statement: New Record for Sockeye Return since Counts Began

“Today's news highlights the urgent need for the Environmental Protection Agency to enact 404(c) protections to permanently remove the looming threat of large-scale hard rock mines like Pebble. While we celebrate the record-breaking salmon returns, our fishery remains in grave danger until the Biden Administration finishes the job to permanently protect Bristol Bay."

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BBDF Press Release: Bristol Bay Defense Fund Announces Launch of ‘Finish The Job’ Campaign, Invites Administrator Regan to Visit the Region

The Bristol Bay Defense Fund is launching a “Finish the job” campaign, a comprehensive outreach and media effort including new TV, digital, and print ads. The announcement follows a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan from the United Tribes of Bristol Bay urging him to visit the region to see “firsthand why this irreplaceable landscape must be protected.”

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Trump withdrawal of EPA protections for Bristol Bay to be reconsidered

The court's ruling couldn’t be more clear, the Trump administration's political interference in the 404(c) process had no basis in science, law, or fact. It is time to turn the page and get back to the work of providing the necessary protections the people of Bristol Bay have been calling for: an EPA 404(c) veto. The EPA has an obligation to immediately act to protect Bristol Bay and veto the Pebble Mine. They must listen to the science, the lengthy Obama/Biden administration’s record of support, and to people who live in Bristol Bay who are unified in calling for a 404(c) veto.

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United Tribes of Bristol Bay launch new ad campaign urging lasting protections for the Bristol Bay region

“As decision makers in Washington D.C. consider protections for our region, it is crucial that they hear firsthand from the people whose way of life is threatened by the proposed Pebble Mine,” said United Tribes of Bristol Bay Executive Director Alannah Hurley. “This campaign shares what is at stake in this fight and will help them understand our urgent need for lasting protections that protect our traditional Native way of life and livelihoods for generations to come. Bristol Bay has had the cloud of Pebble hanging over our region for almost two decades, and it’s time for decision makers to veto the Pebble Mine once and for all.”

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Bristol Bay Tribes support Janet McCabe as Deputy Administrator of EPA

Janet McCabe’s nomination is a hopeful sign that this Administration will honor its obligation to listen to our Tribes, conduct government-to-government consultation in good faith, and work with us to protect our home and our waters from the threat of large-scale hard rock mines. We urge Sen. Murkowski and all those who share that commitment to protect Bristol Bay to confirm her nomination as Deputy Administrator swiftly.

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Permanent protections for Bristol Bay needed more than ever after new “Pebble Tapes” released

The release of additional ‘Pebble Tapes’ once again confirms that the company behind the Pebble Mine is deceiving Alaskans and our elected representatives. The new tapes magnify the need for protections that will ensure the region’s future is not driven by political winds and the efforts of a foreign mining company focused on its bottom line.

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