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The Pebble Blog

The gigantic Pebble copper and gold prospect in Southwest Alaska is one of the touchiest topics in Alaska today.

In this blog, I'll track news that is significant or interesting about the Pebble project. I'll also try to generate discussion and information sharing about some of the claims and counterclaims about the project, and mining in general.

Please keep your comments courteous and on topic. If you violate the ADN comment policy, your posts will be deleted.

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About Elizabeth Bluemink ebluemink@adn.com

I've been writing about mining in Alaska since 2004 and without a doubt, it is one of the most interesting topics that I cover at the Daily News. I've been a newspaper reporter for the past 10 years. In the Deep South, I specialized in reporting about environmental conflicts and pollution cleanups. For two years, I covered commercial fishing, mining and logging in Southeast Alaska. In my current job as a Daily News business reporter, I write about mining, tourism, Native corporations and other businesses.

Update: Berkowitz says he's still against Pebble

Posted by pebble_blog

Posted: April 23, 2008 - 5:45 pm

** I got a call from Ethan Berkowitz, a congressional candidate and former state House minority leader from Anchorage this morning.

He said he hasn't changed his position on Pebble.

What prompted that call is the blog item below.....

_____________________________

Here is an excerpt from an article in today's Homer Tribune.

As for the proposed Pebble Mine project, Berkowitz said he initially opposed it, but feels the region needs to consider economic developments that will benefit them.
According to Berkowitz, the potential problem is if Pebble "perpetuates the colonization of Alaska" by taking its mineral resources for export, leaving little benefit to the local community.
Berkowitz said he believes Former Gov. Frank Murkowski "messed with the process" when it came to mineral development. Before Pebble is allowed to develop, Berkowitz said work needs to be done restoring coastal communities to the process of giving meaningful input.

Here's how he was quoted in a March 21 article in the Kodiak Daily Mirror following a candidate forum.

Berkowitz said he opposed Pebble Mine because it jeopardizes Alaska fisheries.
‘‘Pebble Mine is not the answer, Pebble Mine is the problem,’’ he said.

So did anyone in Homer get the impression that he changed his views on Pebble? Or not?

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4 April 26, 2008 - 8:09am | bebob

yesssireeee

that boy got him a silver tongue. glad i missed his little "talk".

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3 April 24, 2008 - 1:19pm | pmjusa

Amazing Politispeak

"Berkowitz said work needs to be done restoring coastal communities to the process of giving meaningful input." Geesh, this guy has a gleaming silver tongue.

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2 April 24, 2008 - 9:16am | ThorZone

Make Up your Mind - Take A Stand

Ethan Berkowitz can’t seem to make up his mind. Pebble - is he for it or is he against it. I guess it depends on who is asking the question and what day of the week it is.

I am not surprised about this. The last time I personally talked with Mr. Berkowitz it was pretty much the same. He couldn't tell me in uncertain terms how much tax should be placed on a barrel of oil coming off the north slope. This is the problem with most politicians. They only tell you what they think you want to hear, not what they think or will work for once elected.

Let the voter beware

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April 25, 2008 - 9:24am | byankee

Tax on oil?

Whew, Thor what a revelation. You say that about the tax on a barrel of oil like there is a correct answer! Are you trying to muddy the water here?
What is the answer, by-the-way?

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May 1, 2008 - 1:20pm | ThorZone

The Answer

When the government gets 85% of the top line and any business is left with 15% of the top line, clearly taxes are too high. Especallly with the kind of surpluses Juneau has right now.

With their 15% the oil comppanies have to develop the field, pay their poeple, ship the product to market and lots of other things. They even need to keep a little something for themselves. This level of tax is clearly unfair to the shareholders and the companies that have to pay this.

That being said, the point I was trying to make above is that is that Ethan just can't give a specific answer to any question you ask, other than his desire to grow government.

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May 2, 2008 - 3:45pm | Sockeyemark

The Tax on the oil companies is way too high

It puts a damper on the business. Will they leave? No they won't. More taxes is not the answer to more oil development.....

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1 April 24, 2008 - 1:55am | Sockeyemark

He's a politician, what do you expect

He'll go what ever way the wind blows, right now
with the so called "Anti Mining "TV ads out there
fooling the public and Ethan....he's changed his tune.
As the wind blows back and forth on this subject we
need someone willing to stand up and face the wind no matter what direction its blowing....who will that be???

TAKE A STAND, HAVE A BACKBONE!!!!

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Update: Berkowitz says he's still against Pebble