(Juneau) - The Alaska State House today passed House Resolution (HR) 12, which re-affirms the House's long-term commitment to the Kensington Gold Mine project north of Juneau. Sponsored by Rep. Cathy Muñoz, R-Juneau, HR 12 also urges the state and federal agencies with jurisdiction over the project to promptly allow permitting extensions, re-instatements, and re-activations that were in effect when the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' injunction was issued.
Due to the August 2006 injunction imposed by the 9th Circuit, some 70-plus permits authorizing the mine that were in place are now in jeopardy.
~ Rep. Cathy Munoz
HR 12 passed the House floor unanimously.
"The Kensington Mine project is vital to my community," Muñoz said. "Couer Alaska has committed to responsible, environmentally-sound development of the prospect. They've already spent more than $30 million on one thousand studies, and more than $33 million on preliminary construction.
"Due to the August 2006 injunction imposed by the 9th Circuit, some 70-plus permits authorizing the mine that were in place are now in jeopardy," Muñoz added. "Couer's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is imminent, and should the Court rule in favor of the mine, the necessary state and federal agencies should be ready to assist the company in seeking continuations on the permits. The mine and the 300-plus well-paying jobs for Juneau are too important to risk losing due to bureaucratic issues."
Copies of HR 12 will be sent to U.S. President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, Jr., U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee Chair Jeff Bingaman, U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Chair Nick Rahall II, Couer Alaska Inc. President Dennis Wheeler, and the members of Alaska's congressional delegation.
# # #
