Issue Position: Resource Development

Issue Position

Reasonable Responsible Resource Development

Resource exploration and development that protects the interests of the citizens of Alaska, through continued reasonable, common sense regulation under our existing laws.

Alaska is a treasure box of natural resources. Our Constitution and laws provide careful oversight and balance between preserving our environment and using the resources to create jobs and viable communities. Resource development jobs sustain individuals and communities in both urban and rural Alaska.

Alaska has not had unemployment rates as high as the 9.8% seen nationally... yet. But at 8.4%, we are now at the highest level of unemployment in this decade. Resource development jobs are a critical part of our economy and job creation.
A Job Brings Hope of a Bright Future

Employment in Alaska's resource development industries brings the hope of a productive future to areas of Alaska that offer few employment opportunities.

Although the cost of living in rural Alaska is high, there are few good paying jobs in most remote communities. There are some teachers, a postal agent or airline agent, but, in Kotzebue, a high school graduate working in the grocery store makes about $10/hour. That is not enough to become self-reliant when food and fuel are costly.

At nearby Red Dog Mine, a high school graduate can expect to start at nearly $60,000/year, and more skilled jobs pay $100,000/year or more. These are good paying jobs that allow rural citizens to support themselves, raise a family, and still choose a rural lifestyle of hunting and fishing.

Without the jobs that resource development brings to rural Alaska, many face discouragement and the hopelessness that contribute to a life of chemical dependency and, for too many, suicide.

Employment in our resource development industries brings the bright promise of a productive future to remote and rural Alaskans.

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