what's the problem?
Good question. Alaska is recognized as a world leader in responsible fish and habitat management. Alaska has numerous policies, acts and regulations that have been updated over the years and work together to protect fish habitat. Stand for Alaska believes Ballot Measure 1 is a misguided attempt to improve fish habitat protections. Sure, we can always do more to protect our wildlife, but this measure is deeply flawed, with serious unintended consequences for Alaska and Alaskans.
How does the ballot MEASURE impact alaskans?
Ballot Measure 1 threatens our communities, our jobs and our economy. Projects like the Alaska Gas Pipeline, hydroelectric power development or updates to major highways, such as the Seward, Steese and Glenn, might not go forward under this measure. Existing projects, like the Trans Alaska Pipeline System, would be at risk if Ballot Measure 1 passes.
Rural & Community Projects
Costs for public infrastructure projects will increase dramatically. Some vital projects will not go forward. The ballot measure would make the development of roads, wastewater treatment plants, dams, ports and other infrastructure nearly impossible or cost prohibitive, particularly in rural Alaska.
Alaskan Jobs
Jobs would be lost as major sectors of Alaska’s economy suffer. Tens of thousands of Alaskans work in community and resource development, construction and other industries impacted by the proposed regulations. High operating costs and abandoned projects would cost Alaskans jobs.
Land Use
Alaskans would see their access to land
and their ability to develop land restricted. All permits for land access will be open to public comment and can be contested by anyone, including non-Alaskans.
Resource Development
The measure threatens the future of existing and new development projects. Existing oil and gas infrastructure and hardrock mines would have been difficult, if not impossible to permit if this initiative had been in place when they were developed. The initiative will cause delays, add cost and potentially prevent future projects.
Alaska Native Corporations
Ballot Measure 1 challenges the rights of Native corporations to determine how they develop their land and resources. In 2017, natural resource development on Native lands resulted in more than $232 million in revenue sharing to Alaska Native regional, village and non-village corporation shareholders.
State Budget & Permanent Fund
State budget problems would worsen and royalty payments into the Alaska Permanent Fund could decline. The initiative would slow down or stop completely new or existing projects that generate income for state government and the Alaska Permanent Fund.
How does Alaska's current permitting system work?
Alaska boasts a robust, science-driven permitting system, regulated by many state and federal acts that have been added and updated over the years. Each year, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) adds new bodies of water to their list of protected fish habitats. When the list is revised, ADF&G posts a notice, inviting public comments on the updates to the catalog. Since statehood in 1959, over 18 new federal and state policies have been enacted to strengthen fish habitat protections. In addition, Alaska has added numerous regional protections that are unique to habitats and species, allowing for sophisticated policies that address the demands of each environment specifically.
STATE
Anadromous Fish Act
Water Use Act
Special Area Permitting Program
Alaska Statute 38.05.035(e)
Fishway Act/Fish Passage
Alaska Forest Resources and Practices Act
FEDERAL
Clean Water Act Section 404
Clean Water Act Section 401
Clean Water Act Section 402
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
Magnusen- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
Rivers and Harbors Act
Endangered Species Act
National Environmental Policy Act
Pacific Salmon Treaty Act of 1985
Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982
“It’s not like we are permitting the same way we were in 1962. We have continuously evolved our process over the years. We are using the most modern standards that are available.”
