Alaska2026Passed Legislature
HB233
Ban on Metallic Sulfide Mining in the Bristol Bay Watershed
Last scannedSep 22, 2026, 12:32 AM
In one sentence
This law prohibits metallic sulfide mining activities within the watershed of the Bristol Bay Fisheries Reserve.
What it does
- Prohibits metallic sulfide mining within the watershed of the Bristol Bay Fisheries Reserve.
- Defines 'metallic sulfide mining' as extracting sulfide minerals or precious metals from sulfide-bearing rock.
- Repeals and rewrites a state law to include this specific ban.
Who it affects
- Mining companies or individuals planning metallic sulfide mining in the Bristol Bay watershed.
Limits and unknowns
- The official text does not state a specific date when this law becomes effective.
- The source material lists legislative findings but does not detail enforcement penalties for breaking the ban.
- The definition of 'watershed' relies on existing laws referenced in AS 38.05.140(f), which are not fully described here.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Metallic sulfide mining
- Mining activities to extract sulfide minerals or precious metals from sulfide-bearing rock.
- Bristol Bay Fisheries Reserve
- A region designated in 1972 to protect commercial, subsistence, and sport fisheries.
Official record
Sources
Read the official summary
BRISTOL BAY MINING PROHIBITION An Act prohibiting certain mining activities within the watershed of the Bristol Bay Fisheries Reserve.
Official activity
Bill history
- (H) COSPONSOR(S): CARRICK2426
- (H) COSPONSOR(S): HALL1779
- (H) COSPONSOR(S): STUTES1454
- (H) REFERRED TO FISHERIES1339
- (H) FSH, RES1339
- (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS1339