AK HCR15

Requests the Alaska Legislative Council to contract with the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences for an independent assessment of environmental and socioeconomic consequences of large-scale mineral extraction in the Bristol Bay area watershed.

Directs the assessment to evaluate hydrological systems and aquifers, biological resources, communities, and critical gaps in knowledge necessary to understand and manage mining consequences in the region.

Identifies the Pebble copper deposit as containing an estimated 94 million ounces of gold, 72 billion pounds of copper, and 48 billion pounds of molybdenum, with potential development requiring an open pit mine over two miles long, 1.75 miles wide, and 1,600 feet deep.

Notes the Bristol Bay area's significance as a spawning ground for massive sockeye salmon runs, one of the world's largest, and an area closed to mining for more than 20 years with concerns about acid mine drainage and water quality impacts.

Requires the Legislative Council to obtain a written report documenting the results of the independent National Research Council review.