February 27, 2018

Representative Louise Stutes, Chair
House Fisheries Committee
Alaska State Legislature
Submitted via email

Re: HB 272 Tangle Lakes State Game Refuge

Dear Representative Stutes:

The Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc. (RDC) is writing to oppose House Bill 272, An Act Establishing the Tangle Lakes State Game Refuge (HB 272).

RDC is a statewide business association comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s oil and gas, mining, forest products, tourism and fisheries industries. RDC’s membership includes Alaska Native Corporations, local communities, organized labor, and industry support firms. RDC’s purpose is to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources.

It is a position of RDC to encourage the exploration and responsible development of Alaska’s natural resources. Creating a new refuge will restrict or eliminate the potential opportunities in the Tangle Lakes area, including mineral development and tourism. 

Further, it will create new restrictions to land use at a time when our state faces fiscal and other challenges. RDC supports multiple use of lands, such as recreational, and other potential uses, and we must focus on ways to show that Alaska is “open for business.”

In closing, we urge you and the members of the House Fisheries Committee to oppose HB 272.

Sincerely,