Juneau -- The Alaska House Wednesday passed a resolution urging Governor Tony Knowles to withdraw his request for referral of the Tulsequah Chief Mine project in British Columbia to the International Joint Commission (IJC). The Commission mediates transboundary water related disputes between the U.S. and Canada.

Senator President Drue Pearce sponsored Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 to show support for the Tulsequah Chief Mine Project. Pearce said she also wanted to correct misinformation regarding the mine's environmental impact, to send a message that Alaska will not infringe on Canada's autonomy and to address the IJC's proposed new role for the 21st century - a role that could greatly infringe on Alaska state's rights.

The Tulsequah Chief Mine Project has gone through three and one-half years of extensive environmental review and public comment. The Canadians have worked closely with the public and permitting agencies in Alaska and the United States.

"Governor Knowles' request for federal intervention is unwarranted and panders to special interest groups who would like to stop the project," said Pearce. "During committee hearings on the resolution, spokespeople from the Department of Fish and Game and Department of Environmental Conservation told us that every single issue of concern they had raised has been addressed to their satisfaction. To continue to push for IJC intervention appears to be very disingenuous and begs the question - "What is the problem?"

"Governor Knowles has stated that he intends to hold the project to Alaska standards. I agree. And so have the Canadians. So, again I ask, 'What is the problem?' The Governor seems to have forgotten that the mine is in Canada and not under his jurisdiction," Pearce said.

The Tulsequah Chief Mine is located approximately 20 miles east of Juneau. Environmental extremists from Alaska and other states have mounted a coordinated campaign in which their primary goal has been to stop the Tulsequah Chief Mine as well as place a moratorium on any and all development on the Taku watershed.

"I have no intention of allowing our government agencies to be used as a tool to further the extremist 'no development' agenda," Pearce said.

As proposed, the mine project doesn't threaten the Taku fisheries because the tailings will be inert (non-toxic, non-acidic). In addition, the mining company has agreed to clean two old mine sites in the same vicinity, which should improve the water quality of the Tulsequah River.

The International Joint Commission (IJC) was established in the early 1900's to resolve large-scale transboundary issues between Canada and the United States. The IJC was never intended to be used as an instrument to resolve minor disputes on a project by project basis.

In a recent report, the IJC issued their vision for the Commission's role in the 21st century. This report describes a strategy for increasing the influence of the IJC by "creatively expanding its traditional role and function." Part of that strategy includes the proposed creation of International Watershed Boards for individual transboundary rivers. The creation of these boards would transfer control of land-use decisions and resource management from the state to a non-elected, non-Alaskan bi-national commission.

"The proposed expansion of IJC's authority over land management issues presents a real threat to Alaska and our ability to control and manage our land. It is essential we do not set the precedent of asking for International Joint Commission oversight on this type of project if differences can be corrected on a province to state basis," said Pearce.

"I support environmentally responsible resource development whether it is in British Columbia, in the Yukon or in Alaska. However, I believe we should not allow a bi-national appointed commission to control development decisions on major watersheds in Alaska," Pearce said.

SCR 7 passed the House by a vote of 23 to 16. The resolution will now be sent to Governor Tony Knowles, Madeleine Albright U.S. Secretary of State, Lloyd Axworthy Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as British Columbia and Alaskan elected officials.

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Attachment: Transmittal letter to U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright

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Madeleine Albright, U.S. Secretary of State
2201 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20520

Re: Senate Concurrent Resolution 7

Dear Madam Secretary:

The Alaska State Legislature has taken formal action regarding the Tulsequah Chief Mine project. We respectfully request your consideration on this matter. The presiding officers of both bodies introduced companion resolutions, Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 (SCR 7) and House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 4). SCR 7 passed both bodies on 4-14-99 and was transmitted to Governor Knowles.

The Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests that you not refer the Tulsequah Chief Mine to the International Joint Commission (IJC). Alaskan agencies are in almost daily contact with their Canadian counterparts and we believe that IJC intervention is unwarranted at this time. The experts that are currently involved are the very same experts that would be involved if the IJC chose to intervene. IJC referral will only serve to unnecessarily postpone the project and further deteriorate relations between the Province of British Columbia and the State of Alaska.

In addition, it has come to our attention that the IJC is currently considering the implementation of International Watershed Boards. We are deeply concerned about the potential impacts that this type of bureaucratic oversight will have on development within the State of Alaska. In a report prepared by the IJC, "The IJC and the 21st Century," they state their intention to "creatively expand their traditional role and function." We find this statement particularly disconcerting.

We believe that our transboundary issues will be best resolved at the State/Provincial level rather than through a bi-national body. The best decisions are made at home.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,