For Immediate Release

Usibelli Mine Company Challenged for Mining Illegally

Groups seek to protect Mat-Su families from dangerous coal mine

Palmer, AK – As the summer work season approaches, local groups have taken action to hold Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc.  responsible for mining without a valid permit at Wishbone Hill. The Wishbone Hill project would be Alaska’s first coal strip mine to operate in the middle of a residential neighborhood.  Communities throughout the Mat-Su are concerned about public safety, noise and light pollution, toxic coal dust, and impacts to property values. Today’s lawsuit follows unsuccessful attempts by the groups to compel state and federal agencies to enforce the prohibition against unpermitted mining.

“The fact that is has taken so long for the agencies to address our concerns lead us to believe that the complaint has merit,” said Kirby Spangler, President of the Castle Mountain Coalition.   “Thousands of residents have voiced valid concerns and we don’t want to continue waiting on regulators as another construction season approaches.”

According to state and federal law, mining permits expire automatically if the permit holder fails to begin mining within three years, or fails to secure an extension of that deadline. A company first acquired permits for mining at Wishbone Hill in 1991. Those permits expired in 1996 when the company had not begun mining and had not secured an extension. But since June 2010, Usibelli has started operating at Wishbone Hill: constructing the haul road, clearing vegetation and logging, and beginning to stockpile topsoil.  In the more than 20 years that have passed since the permits were first issued, the region surrounding the mine has changed drastically, becoming a residential community.  In fact, the access road joins the Glenn Highway directly across from a local elementary school.

“My family has firsthand experience dealing with the coal industry,” said Bonnie Zirkle, local resident, hunting guide and business owner.  “This coal project is already impacting the property values in our community. Coal is dirty and dangerous to the water, air and health of our community.”

“If Usibelli Coal Company wishes to be a responsible company and good neighbor they must follow the rules, including the most basic- obtaining a valid permit to operate,” Said Jeremiah Millen, Executive Director of Friends of Mat-Su.   “We believe the scale and location of what is being proposed at Wishbone Hill will result in negative impacts to local residents, property values, fish and wild life habitat and overall quality of life throughout the valley.  We look forward to working with the agencies and the company when and if they obtain valid permit.”

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Recent Media Coverage:

http://www.adn.com/2012/05/02/2449217/groups-file-suit-to-halt-usibelli.html

http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/18436057/article-Groups-seek-halt-to-coal-mining-near-Sutton-?instance=home_news_window_left_bullets

http://www.frontiersman.com/news/lawsuit-seeks-to-halt-wishbone-hill-mining-operations/article_80a9f86e-94a6-11e1-b90b-0019bb2963f4.html

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/28cb67281932448ab69cf22a2c19626b/AK–Coal-Mine-Lawsuit/

http://www.postcrescent.com/usatoday/article/39197645?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs

http://www.coshoctontribune.com/usatoday/article/39197645?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFrontpage%7Cs

The Exciting Wild and Scenic Film Festival is Less Than a Month Away.  Get Your Tickets Today!
If you are looking for a fun filled event to help transition from the darkness of winter into spring and to help motivate planning for your summer trips, you will not want to miss the exciting Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Palmer on April 26^th. Join Friends of Mat-Su, local businesses and a variety of non-profit partners for this fun and exciting family friendly community event.

About the Wild and Scenic Film Festival
The Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival is one of the largest traveling environmental film festivals in North America. It is renown for leaving attendees feeling INSPIRED and MOTIVATED.  The Palmer event will do no less. We’ve included many award winning films that explore how community leaders and average citizens are working together to develop innovative solutions to current challenges facing their communities.  We guarantee those who attend will LEARN about new ideas from inspiring environmental and adventure based films, EXPERIENCE the adrenaline of trekking across the globe or skiing in the backcountry, and CELEBRATE the many splendors of the natural and wild world.

Event Details
In addition to the stellar selection of films the event will include:

• Bluegrass and old timey music from High Lonesome Sound
• Delicious local foods
• Cash bar
• Featured local artists
• Wild bird exhibit
• Educational Forum
• Great Door prizes

Space is limited so we encourage you to book your tickets today!  

WHEN: Thursday, April 26th, 6pm-10pm.  Reception begins at 6pm and Films begin at 7pm.
WHERE: Historic Train Depot in Downtown Palmer
COST: $10 in advance, $12 at the door.  KIDS UNDER 10 ARE FREE!

For more information, to book advance tickets, or to view some of the film trailers please visit the festival website at http://www.valleyfilmfestival.com/ or contact festival Director, Jeremiah Millen via email at: director@foms.net or by phone at (907) 746-0130.

This is your best opportunity to learn about the project, speak to federal regulators and have your voice heard on this project.

About the Sustina Dam Project
The Susitna Dam, if built will become the tallest in the Western hemisphere and cost twice as much as the state of Alaska’s total capital budget.  While a hydroelectric megaproject such as Susitna would provide alternative energy to Alaska, it is certain to come with substantial impacts, costs and risks. These impacts must be thoughtfully considered to weigh costs and benefits and the resulting impacts to the Susitna River watershed and the salmon, habitat, water and communities it supports.
To learn more visit http://akcenter.org/climate-energy/susitna-hydroelectric-project

Upcoming Public Meetings Scheduled
There are two important meetings coming up in Palmer and Wasilla where you can learn more about the project, the planning process, ask questions and make your voice heard.

Public Workshop and Film showing at the Palmer Depot with Special guest and well known author Steven Hawley- March 24th

WHAT:
In anticipation of the up-coming Federal Regulatory Commission (FERC) scoping meeting on the Susitna Dam in Wasilla on March 27^th members of the Hydropower Reform Coalition and the Coalition for Susitna Dam Alternatives are hosting a fun and inspirational workshop to explain the Susitna Dam project, its potential impacts and benefits, the FERC process and timeline, and how to give effective testimony.  In addition, special guest and well-known author, Steven Hawley, author of “Recovering a Lost River” will show the PBS salmon documentary “Running the Gauntlet,” followed by a presentation by Jan Konigsberg of Hydro-Reform Coalition on the upcoming Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s public comment opportunity.

WHERE AND WHEN:  March 24, 2012 The Palmer Depot (starting at 6 p.m)

WHY:
To most effectively comment requires a thorough understanding of the project and the process. The following scoping meeting in Wasilla on March 27^th will be the last opportunity for the public to meet face-to-face with FERC staff until 2015.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) public scoping meeting- March 27th

WHAT:
FERC has scheduled its “Public Scoping meeting” for the lower Valley and is accepting   public comments.

WHERE/WHEN:  March 27th at 6pm at the Menard Memorial Sports Center.

For more information on the project or the upcoming public meetings go to:

www.susitnadamalternatives.org or contact Richard at 733-3503

ANCHORAGE:  APRIL 19-20 • DENA’INA CENTER

Join business, civic and government leaders from across Alaska and leading industry experts from around the nation for the 4^th annual Business of Clean Energy in Alaska Conference. Clean energy is a $250 billion-a-year business worldwide, and Alaska has the potential to be a world leader in this growing field. Keynote Speakers: Jon Wellinghoff, Chair, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and Retired Vice Admiral Dennis V. McGinn President, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). Help create a clean energy future for Alaska! Register by March 12 and save at www.BCEAconference.com or 929.7770.

Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats is sponsoring the 6th Annual Winter Family Fun Day at Reflections Lake on Saturday, February 4^th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Come enjoy winter at scenic and accessible Reflections Lake! Cross-country ski, snowshoe, ice skate or walk the loop around the lake. Stay warm with campfires, hot beverages and tasty treats as you soak in the beauty of the picturesque spot. Learn how to use the equipment properly, as well as avalanche safety and awareness. Join us for this National Winter Trails Day event and the opportunity to try healthy winter sports.

For a copy of the event flyer Click Here
For more information contact Alaskans For Palmer Hay Flats