AK HJR16

Urges the United States government to work with Canada to refer transboundary development issues in the Alaska-British Columbia region to the International Joint Commission under the Boundary Waters Treaty.

Identifies proposed mining projects in three transboundary watersheds: Tulsequah Chief, New Polaris, and Big Bull in the Taku; Galore Creek, Red Chris, and Schaft Creek in the Stikine; and Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell in the Unuk River headwaters.

Expresses concerns that proposed mines would generate billions of tons of acid-generating tailings held behind dams that could threaten acid rock drainage for centuries and require perpetual monitoring and maintenance.

Cites ongoing acid rock drainage at Tulsequah Chief mine and the Mount Polley tailings dam failure as evidence of weaknesses in British Columbia's current monitoring and enforcement efforts.

Requests copies be sent to U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry and Alaska's congressional delegation: Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Representative Don Young.