What You Can Do
It's important that we let our politicians know that the Chuitna Strip Mine will harm wilderness, wildlife, streams and communities located within or near the Chuitna River watershed. Review the above documents as well as the following example letter for talking points.
Sample Letter:
Dear ____________,
As an Alaskan, I am concerned about the adverse impacts that PacRim Coal’s proposed Chuitna Coal Strip Mine would have on the pristine habitats of the Chuitna River watershed and the communities that rely on this area for sustainable recreational, subsistence, and commercial activities. This mine would destroy the surrounding watershed and dump billions of gallons of mining waste into rich fisheries habitat every year.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will issue a final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement by summer 2007. Additionally, the state of Alaska has convened its Large Mine Permitting Team to oversee all of the permits necessary for the mine’s approval.The EPA and the Large Mine Permitting Team should reject these permits, resisting pressure from mine operators.
Coal strip mines have already devastated landscapes and communities in the lower 48 states, and we, as Alaskans, are asking you to prevent this from happening in a state that cherishes its wildlands, in a state that can think differently about its energy needs due to its vast potential for renewable energy solutions, and in a state we proudly call home.
Sincerely,
_____________
Send a letter to the following politicians:
Governor Sarah Palin
Juneau Office
P.O. Box 110001
Juneau, AK 99811-0001
Senator Lisa Murkowski
Washington, D.C. Office
709 Hart Senate Building
Washington D.C., 20510
State Senator Albert Kookesh
State Capitol, Room 11
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
State Representative Woodie Salmon
State Capitol, Room 114
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
You can also write a letter to the editor, and let your community know that the Chuitna Coal Mine is not in the best interest of Alaska, its citizens, or its environment.
Anchorage Daily News
1 (800) 478-4200
Email: letters@adn.com
250 words
The Frontiersman(907) 376-5225
Email: editor@alaska.net
Bi-weekly
