Supreme Court rejects taking up Alaska challenge to EPA’s Pebble Mine decision

The Supreme Court won’t take up a case seeking revive a proposed gold and copper mine that was blocked by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2021. 

The court did not comment on its decision not to take up the case. 

The Biden administration took the unusual step of blocking the proposed Pebble Mine in 2021, citing its potential impacts to a major Alaskan salmon fishery. 

The state of Alaska had asked the court to undo the EPA’s action. 

The state argued the EPA breached a contract between Alaska and the federal government in which the state gave up rights for land that became the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.

In exchange, Alaska received federal lands that were known to have mineral deposits, the state said in court documents.

“The United States is now reneging on the deal,” Alaska alleged, noting that the mining would provide jobs to Alaskans as well as taxes and royalty payments to the state. 

The federal government argued Alaska’s claims should not rise to the level of the Supreme Court and that the state should bring its case in other forums. 

When it blocked the mine, the EPA said mineral extraction would have “unacceptable adverse effects” on salmon fishery areas.

Updated at 11:53 a.m. ET