Chickaloon Coal Exploration Comment Period Extended

In a previous post, we mentioned that a Canadian Company has applied for a coal exploration permit in the Chickaloon area. The DNR has extended the comment period to February 28. You can read the public notice and find related documents here. Well, it appears that some in the Chickaloon area suffer from “Not in my backyard” syndrome. A report from KTVF in Fairbanks reports:

Michael Williams is the president of the Vancouver, British Columbia-based company. He says that any actual mining would largely be underground with little impact on the environment. Any work beyond exploration would need further government authority. Lisa Stevenson -- who heads an opposition group called the Castle Mountain Coalition -- says many residents don't believe their community can coexist with the venture.

For now, coal is here to stay. It is important that Alaska take the initiative now to establish ownership over its resources while the federal community is not seeking them. When the feds call for resources, there is little that can stop them.

For more on coal in Alaska (or lack of it), check out the Energy Information Administration's profile of the state here.