To all:

 

As Alaska finally moves into full blown spring, it is worth reflecting upon AMA’s strengths and progress. The annual conference last fall, our interior conference this spring, and our membership are all at record high levels, indicating continued excitement for Alaska’s mineral prospects. We have a strong balance sheet, a host of dedicated volunteers, and a vibrant board of directors. 

With that said, we face unprecedented opposition. The move by EPA to rush into a preemptive and rushed assessment of the Bristol Bay watershed clearly targets the Pebble Partnership and their legitimate efforts to enter Alaska’s arduous permitting process. We must be solid in our communication with all stakeholders across Alaska regarding mining – the economic future of the state is at risk.

In other news, the legislature adjourned before being called back into special session by Governor Parnell for a very limited special session focused on oil taxation. Some statistics from the session are relevant, as follows: 595 bills were introduced, with only 106 passed and sent to the Governor. Resolutions introduced totaled 155 and only 74 were forwarded to the Governor.

Bills of interest to AMA that passed included HB 295 Closing Certain Land to mineral Entry, HB 298 Exemptions From Mining Tax, HB 361 Disposals of State resources/royalties, HJR 9 Endorsing ANWR Leasing, HJR 11 Opposing ANWR Wilderness Designation, and HJR 20 Roadless Rule & Chugach and Tongass Hydro.  Now that the second half of the 27th  Legislature has ended, all legislation Bills and Resolutions that did not pass died and will have to be re-introduced next year if they wish to have them considered again. This process is good for us and during this 3rd special Session no mining bills will be considered and therefore our work is done. The Oil and Gas bill will be re-introduced by the Governor and may have a new number (HB3001)on it and that bill will be the “King Maker or Breaker” however it turns out, but will take up most of the 30 days to pass if at all. Like last year when they went into session and then found they were too far apart and went home, this may happen again.

It has been my privilege to work for you as Executive Director. I regret the shortness of my tenure, but my three year old is very happy Daddy is coming home to stay, so what else can I say except thank you for the many things many of you have taken the time to teach me these past months. I will remain a member and look forward to crossing paths again!

Fred