So it was critical - critical to determine whether this mine could be safely built in a way that guaranteed Bristol Bay would not be harmed.Īs the years went by, engineers and scientists worked on the problem. Other mines like this in other parts of America, which are built much - in much drier climates where consequences of an engineering failure would not have been as severe. And if the dam failed, the waste would be poured into the headwaters of Bristol Bay, and that would be a true calamity. It gets tremendous amounts of rain and snow, which would cause toxic waste to pour over the sides of the dam. And it would have created billions of tons of toxic and dangerous waste.Īll that waste would have been stored behind a massive dam in perpetuity, forever.īut Bristol Bay is a region prone to earthquakes, which could destroy that dam. The mine - that mine would have destroyed 100 miles of streams and nearly 3,000 acres of wetlands and open water that are critical to the salmon breeding. ![]() That’s why, decades ago, when mining companies made plans to create one of the largest open-pit gold and copper mines in North America right near the headwaters of Bristol Bay, folks were alarmed, including me. Once a resource like this is harmed or destroyed, it may be impossible to bring it back again. ![]() But it’s impossible to put an economic price on that.Īnd the - you know, the opposite is true as well. This amazing thing about resources like this: If you take care of it, it can go on forever. The economic value is estimated to be - to be $2.2 billion. And it supports 1,000 - or 15,000 jobs - American jobs in fishing, processing, and tourism. Today, Bristol Bay supplies nearly half of the world’s wild sock-eye salmon. The Alaska Native people have rallied and relied on this fishery for millennia. Oh, it really is, when you think about it - at least I - I was worried about this 10 years ago. (Applause.)įolks, even in this age of climate change, the fish runs at Bristol Bay are breaking records. That freshwater empties into Bristol Bay, where every year tens of millions of salmon return, making this the largest sock-eye salmon fishery on all the Earth. Six rivers meet there, traveling through 40,000 miles of tundra, wetlands, and lakes, collecting freshwater and sediment along the way from some of the most pristine land on the entire planet. (Applause.)Īnd, folks, we’re here to celebrate that achievement as part of my administration’s land and water conservation agenda, the most ambitious in American history.īristol Bay is an extraordinary place unlike anywhere in the world. We’re also joined by Tribal leaders and conservation advocates and representatives of the business community who worked together for decades to achieve something momentous for the people of Alaska, for all Americans: the protection of Bristol Bay. This announcement kicks off a public commitment to engage with labor and industry and environmentalists and other experts to make sure we make a major step forward in the climate crisis, protecting public health. (Applause.)Īnd just this morning, he ent- he announced a new proposal to cut carbon pollution from coal- and gas-fired power plants. Michael Regan, who’s done a terrific job as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. And thank you.Īnd Deb Haaland, who is the Secretary of Interior - (applause) - a true champion of conservation. ![]() (Applause.) As they say in southern Delaware, you done good raising that boy. The Second Gentleman is here, along with his parents, Mike and Barbara. Thank you, Alannah, for the introduction and for all the work you did on behalf of Bristol Bay, and all of you here. THE PRESIDENT: (Laughs.) Well, I will try to make this mercifully short. And all you lovely young ladies - you’re not hot, are you? THE PRESIDENT: Well, I tell you what - looking at the guys up front here, having to put on ties when you’re - on a school day - (laughter) - that’s a hard thing to do. Get Involved Show submenu for “Get Involved””.The White House Show submenu for “The White House””.Office of the United States Trade Representative.Office of Science and Technology Policy.Executive Offices Show submenu for “Executive Offices””.Administration Show submenu for “Administration””.
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