The Hill News

Recently, Rick Manning of Americans for Limited Government used this space to reference the proposed Pebble Mine in Alaska as an example of job-killing government regulation run amok. His analysis shows that he has been badly misled about this prospect and the tension that it puts on all reasonable mining in Alaska.

Before you write me off as some tree-hugging environmentalist, a few words about me. For 24 years, I was a Republican in the Alaska Legislature, devoted to creating jobs through the wise use of Alaska’s natural resources. I served multiple terms as Senate president, Senate maj! ority leader and Resources Committee chairman. I made a living as a commercial pilot and guide, often flying mining-industry clients. I also own a small saw mill. I cut up trees; I don’t hug them. I know mining can do a lot of good things. But this particular project, by size, location and type of ore, totally defies reason and history.

Mr. Manning conveniently ignores the thousands of jobs that the mine would put at risk.

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