A southwest Alaskan group is suing the state, claiming the permits for a prospective mine are invalid because regulators did not allow public comment before approving them, reports Elizabeth Bluemink of the Anchorage Daily News. An Alaskan regulator said the state may grant permits concerning water usage and mineral exploration without public input, as long as the project is in the public interest, the Associated Press reported. The proposed Pebble mine site sits at the headwaters of five rivers supporting Bristol Bay's salmon fisheries. The mine would bring much-needed jobs to the area, but locals worry drilling has already impacted animals in the area and would affect rich salmon populations.
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