"I strongly urge the Northern Alaska Environmental Center to come to the negotiating table with Teck-Pogo, rather than forcing a delay with its legal appeal to the EPA," said Guttenberg. "The Pogo Mine is a critical resource development issue to the Interior communities I serve, as well as to the future of the mining industry. There must be a sound solution the tailing wastewater discharge permit."

The Teck-Pogo mine, 40 miles northeast of Delta Junction, is expected to produce 400,000 ounces of gold per year and has an estimated production lifespan of over 10 years. Development of the $2.2 billion find has been delayed due to an appeal to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding tailings wastewater discharge.

"The mine is expected to boost the local economy and bring good jobs to the Interior," said Guttenberg. "An expeditious review of the appeal and resolution is in the state’s best interest."

Guttenberg, like Governor Murkowski and members of the Interior Delegation, requests the EPA to review and rule on the appeal in as expedient manner as possible. In his letter to NAEC, Guttenberg asked the group to come to the table for mediation with Teck-Pogo using the senior staff resources Governor Murkowski office has offered.

"I commend the years of hard work and dedication invested to this project from all parties involved to create an environmentally safe and economically viable mine," said Guttenberg. "I strongly urge the Northern Alaska Environmental Center to come to a resolution with Teck-Pogo and I request the Environmental Protection Agency review and rule on the appeal as expeditiously as possible."