CSHB 14(FSH) - Bristol Bay Fisheries Reserve

• Requires legislative authorization through enacted law for any large-scale metallic sulfide mining operation in the Bristol Bay Fisheries Reserve watershed, with findings that the operation will not endanger fisheries, fish, or wildlife.

• Mandates three independent commissioners (Natural Resources, Fish and Game, and Environmental Conservation) each determine beyond a reasonable doubt that a proposed mining operation poses no danger before legislative authorization can be sought.

• Defines large-scale metallic sulfide mining operation as proposals extracting metals including gold and copper from sulfide-bearing rock that would directly disturb 640 or more acres of land.

• Requires commissioners to submit a report to the legislature containing their three independent determinations, prepared through an interagency public process with public comment and peer review opportunities.

• Requires revised independent determinations by the three commissioners if an applicant receives permits or authorizations significantly different from previously granted permits after receiving final legislative authorization.