Agoracom

(ANCHORAGE) – The city and borough of Juneau passed a resolution Monday denouncing the anti-mining initiatives set to appear on the August 26^th ballot.

The resolution states, in part, “it appears that numerous existing projects would potentially become subject to the initiatives,” and goes on to say that the city and borough are concerned that these initiatives are on the ballot “without the expert scientific analysis needed, and without the voters having a means to fully understand the policy implications of the proposals and make an informed decision.”

The resolution concludes by saying that the subjects of the initiatives “would be better addressed for Alaskans through the rigorous and open public review process normally used for the development and adoption of legislation and regulations, than through the initiative process.”

Willis Lyford, Campaign Director for Alaskans Against the Mining Shutdown (AAMS) was extremely pleased by Juneau’s actions. “Alaska’s Capital City is the first to stand up and echo what AAMS has been saying all along: these initiatives go too far. This resolution recognizes the importance of a thorough study of these anti-mining measures. We hope that all Alaskan communities, and all Alaskans, will take a serious look at the drastic impact of these measures.”