EPA moves to block controversial Alaska mine

The Environmental Protection Agency said it would block construction of a controversial copper and gold mine in Alaska that has brought intense lobbying and congressional scrutiny in a move that industry officials say amounts to an illegal, “pre-emptive” action.

The EPA said Friday that it would use its Clean Water Act authority to bar developers of the proposed Pebble Mine from obtaining a permit to build it in Bristol Bay in southwest Alaska. The agency said the mine would disturb Bristol Bay’s vibrant sockeye salmon — it hosts nearly half the world’s population — as well as native tribes and commercial fishermen.