Pebble presentation was frustrating
As a Cook Inlet fisherman, I found Wednesday’s Pebble Limited Partnership (PLP) presentation by Mark Hamilton at a Kenai Peninsula Economic Development Division Forum frustrating. I was disappointed audience members couldn’t ask questions about Cook Inlet impacts, considering the project proposes 94 miles of underwater gasline through at least 3 major fisheries, a port in endangered species critical habitat, and major shipping operations in Cook Inlet. The presentation was deeply misleading, particularly when discrediting the EPA’s 2014 Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment, which found that a mine in Bristol Bay poses unacceptable risk to fisheries, culture, and economies of the region even without a catastrophic failure, and recommended major restrictions. Hamilton called this Assessment disgraceful fake science, flippantly dismissing a report repeatedly upheld by peer review, court proceedings and the current administration.
Here’s why its findings stand: It was twice peer-reviewed by leading scientists and subjected to repeated public comment, garnering virtually unanimous support. Second, four major investors looked closely and ultimately walked away, even with a pro-development administration greasing the tracks. Third, the EPA Inspector General, in a Pebble Limited Partnership-requested investigation, found no evidence of agency bias in Assessment development. Fourth, despite opportunity to say otherwise, pro-development EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt acknowledged the Assessment’s veracity, and the project’s substantial risks. Finally, Pebble Limited Partnership voluntarily and permanently dismissed its initial legal challenge against the EPA regarding the Assessment.
The Assessment is sound and settled science, while Hamilton’s remarks are the smoke of a struggling foreign company that’s burned through four potential investors, but continues pushing a bad project through a flawed process. Pebble Limited Partnership may be willing to risk a $1.5 billion renewable fishing industry that Alaskans depend upon. The administration may be willing to set aside fair and legal process to help them. But don’t be fooled — we can and must do better.
Hannah Heimbuch
Cook Inlet commercial salmon fisherman
Learn about white rhino disapperance
According to websites such as endextinction.org, there are fewer than half a dozen Northern White Rhinos left in the world. Some sources have the number as low as two with both of them being female.
These thick-skinned, obtrusive beasts are on a precipice.
Please take a moment and call the Alaska Northern White Rhino (ANWR) Consortium at 907-586-7277 and give them your feedback on the disappearance of this anomalous creature.
Dan Hasche
March again for women
The third annual Women’s March on Homer is happening this Saturday, Jan. 19. We invite all supporters of women’s rights and social justice issues to march with us.
Who are we? Women’s March on Homer is a grassroots effort organized by women and men of our community. We are a nonpartisan group, committed to the guiding principle that women’s rights are human rights. We are your neighbors, co-workers and friends whose passion comes from our hearts, believing that together we can make a difference, not only in the lives of all women, but in the lives of all people.
Gather in the HERC parking lot at 11 a.m. At 11:30 a.m. are inspirational speeches by three local women in theHERC parking lot. At noon a sidewalk march starts, heading on the north side of Pioneer Avenue to the WKFL park gazebo. 12:30 p.m.: group photo at the gazebo. Please join us there if you are unable to participate in the march.
The event continues from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Kachemak Bay Campus where live streaming of the National March, information tables, hot drinks and snacks are happening.
As a post march event, the showing of the movie, “Makers: The Women Who Made America,” is 4:45-6:45 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Homer Public Library.
Please join us in this inclusive march, raising your voice for positive social change.
For more information, go to our Facebook page, Women’s March on Homer, Alaska.
Karen Murdock
