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November Ballot Initiative Could Have Big Implications for Donlin Gold Mine

Bethel resident Beverly Hoffman is one of a handful of community members educating the community about Stand For Salmon.
Krysti Shallenberger/KYUK
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Krysti Shallenberger/KYUK

A controversial ballot initiative that would strengthen protections for salmon habitat will be on the ballot this November. 

The Alaska Supreme Court issued its long-awaited decision on the Yes for Salmon initiative. Supported by the advocacy group Stand for Salmon, the initiative would toughen regulations on big industrial projects constructed in salmon habitats and give state agencies more authority to halt them. 

As initially drafted, Yes for Salmon’s strict permitting process could have stalled or even effectively shut down Donlin Gold’s project. But on Tuesday, the Alaska Supreme Court court ruled that two of the initiative’s provisions must be removed. The measures unconstitutionally gave the state's executive branch the power of appropriation, the court argued, which is something only the Legislature can do.

Donlin spokesperson Kurt Parkan says that the corporation’s still trying to figure out what the court’s ruling means for them.

"Some of the absolute roadblocks have been removed as unconstitutional," he said, "but how the initiative would affect our project is yet to be determined."

Yes for Salmon’s supporters, meanwhile, are excited that the initiative made it to November’s ballot. Bethel resident Bev Hoffman says that the legislation will make projects like the Donlin Gold mine more accountable to community concerns.

"A lot of times things happen with big business where they’re not thinking of the people that live there and how it will affect them," she said. "I’m just really glad that the courts decided this should go to the voters."

Donlin Gold vocally opposes Yes for Salmon. The corporation has donated over a million dollars to the group Stand for Alaska, which  formed to fight the initiative.

Krysti Shallenberger contributed reporting.