...and hear from Bonnie Gestring on the Impacts of Mining in the Pacific Northwest. |
We are so fortunate to have so many community members and partners who are in this work with us. We could not do this on our own, and each organization and individual brings their own expertise and perspective to the movement.
That's why we host the Northern Voices Speaker Series every year: to share more of these perspectives to our membership. We hope we'll see you tonight for Bonnie Gestring's talk, and look forward to the rest of the series. Read on for more information on what's happening in Northern Alaska this month.
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Northern Voices Speaker Series begins tonight |
Tonight at 5 pm, join us on Zoom to hear from Bonnie Gestring, the Northwest Program Director at Earthworks. Bonnie is actively involved in campaigns related to mining in Alaska, and has authored reports on the effects of mining throughout the Pacific Northwest.
To register for this virtual event, go to bit.ly/NVSSjanuary or simply join the Zoom meeting at 5:00 PM. While this event is free, we encourage you to make a donation to support our educational programming if you have the means to do so. |
Fairbanks City Council opposes Tetlin to Fort Knox ore hauling plan |
Last week, the Fairbanks City Council adopted Resolution No. 5021 to oppose the Tetlin to Fort Knox Transportation Plan. This plan is designed to haul ore from the Manh Choh mine site along public highways and roadways to the mill at Fort Knox north of Fairbanks. The Council’s support of this Resolution uplifts community concerns about public safety, air and water quality, and impacts to quality of life for all communities along the proposed route.
The Northern Center appreciates the Council’s acknowledgement and action in support of the public’s concerns. We share these concerns and are further troubled by the precedent this transportation plan would create for other industrial mine development projects seeking use of public infrastructure for private profits.
In addition to the Manh Choh transportation plan, ore hauling proposals included in projects like the Ambler Road/mineral district development in NW Alaska and Graphite One on the Seward Peninsula will come at significant public expense while private mining companies pocket the profits. Learn more about the Tetlin to Fort Knox Transportation Plan and stay up to date on the status of this and other proposals by subscribing to the Advocates for Safe Alaska Highways newsletter. |
False Solutions: Carbon Offsets in Alaska |
Last week, Governor Dunleavy said that his administration would be introducing legislation to capitalize on a growing market for carbon offsets. He stated that he believes the state has a right to do so, and in fact has "an obligation in the constitution under natural resources to maximize our resources." This is a frightening misrepresentation.
As Executive Director Elisabeth Balster Dabney said in a statement: "It is frightening to hear the Governor of Alaska misinterpret the constitution he is sworn to uphold. Article 8 is often misrepresented, misquoted, or in this case egregiously falsely asserted to mean the State of Alaska is mandated to develop natural resources. The rest of Article 8 very explicitly states that actions must be 'consistent with the public interest.' It is odd to think that Alaska state policies have long reflected the goal to develop all natural resources for the purposes of economic growth (mostly benefiting private extractive industry), all the while exacerbating the impacts of climate change. Now, in what appears to be another way for the State to make money for industry, the Governor is sponsoring legislation to promote a false climate solution. While one would think this was a moment to celebrate, that Alaska's decision-makers are finally seeing the urgent need to mitigate further devastating impacts from a very rapidly changing climate, but this is not a true solution. It is a money grab wrapped in climate action wrapping paper. Let's call it what it is: another way to dismiss public interest in keeping Alaska from becoming a climate sacrifice zone.
Without truly dealing with the climate crisis, this bill establishes a green-washing opportunity for the State and whoever they sell their carbon offsets to. Alaska can be a leader in renewable energy. Alaskans are waiting to get to work to build the renewable energy future. This legislation would keep Alaska from moving forward. It must be reiterated: This is not a long-term fiscal solution. This is a false solution." |
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| February 16: Northern Voices Speaker Series
Colleen Fisk, Energy Education Director of Renewable Energy Alaska Project, will talk about the current energy landscape of Alaska. She will discuss the types and sources of energy used in different areas, energy efficiency and renewables, and some upcoming projects to look out for.
This event will be virtual and free to attend. RSVP on Facebook or register on Zoom. |
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| March 29-31: The Arctic Encounter Symposium 2023
As the largest Arctic policy and business conference in the United States, with partners and convenings worldwide, the Arctic Encounter continues to gather leading voices from around the world. The Arctic Encounter Symposium is eager to welcome participants to Alaska for a world-class arts and cultural experience, including dialogue and presentations with elected and international leaders, business executives, Indigenous peoples, scientists, students, defense leaders, diplomats, policymakers, and more.
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MISSION The Northern Alaska Environmental Center promotes conservation of the environment and sustainable resource stewardship in Interior and Arctic Alaska through education and advocacy. |
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