A few weeks ago I walked away from class with high hopes of strong
economic gains from the Pebble Mine. Dollar signs ran through my mind as I
saw the numbers being presented on the screen. I shared my excitement for
probable economic benefit of this project with anyone who would listen.
After our last class my view has completely turned away to the stance that
this project should not happen. I now understand the dangers of both the
extraction process and storage of the hazardous waste materials that will
remain forever. In my mind, no dollar amount could ever pay for the
potential effects on the future of Alaska¹s salmon industries and the
overall well-being of many Alaskans.
   Alaska¹s economy has been fed by the exploitation of the land and
animals since the late 1700¹s. This started with the fur trade and now
continues today through oil production.  The people of Alaska have gained
greatly from our abundance of natural resources. These resources have put
this state in the position enjoy a budget surplus while most other states
are suffering through crippling budget shortfalls. On a personal level, I
understand that I would not be living in this state without oil supplying
90% of the funding to our state budget and basically paying my salary.
Alaska¹s economy has depended on these resources since before statehood and
will, without a doubt, continue to for the foreseeable future.
   There are increasing worries that oil production is fading and will
eventually get to the point where it will not be able to sustain Alaska¹s
revenue needs. Pebble Mine would fill the void created by this decline.
While I understand that Alaska¹s economy stands to gain greatly if /when
this project comes to fruition, I personally feel that the environmental
costs outweigh these potential monetary gains.

            Rick Sandhoefner