Comment letter in support of Two Bull Ridge permit renewal

August 23, 2021

Submitted via [email protected]

Dear Mr. Kirkham: 

The Resource Development Council (RDC) is writing to express its support for the renewal of the permit to conduct surface coal mining activities under the Two Bull Ridge Mine, permit number S-0603 held by Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. 

RDC is a statewide trade association comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s fishing, forestry, mining, oil and gas, and tourism 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.

RDC supports the renewal of surface mining activities in the Two Bull Ridge area, which sits five miles northeast of Healy. The proposed renewal request is for an additional five-year term and includes the permit areas previously approved in the existing permits. There are no additional mining areas or revisions proposed to the existing boundaries. Usibelli has invested in infrastructure in the area, such as roads and power lines, it would be prudent use of the resource to extract as much coal as possible from Two Bull Ridge. 

Usibelli has been mining coal in Healy since 1943 and has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining and improving the environment through its reclamation process at similar operations in the area. RDC believes that the aforementioned factors merit timely issuance of a revised permit to allow these operations to proceed.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important issue.

Sincerely,
RDC