Ten members of the US House Natural Resources Committee arrived in Alaska this week, marking a significant congressional visit. On Monday, the bipartisan group toured Hecla Green Creek Mine near Juneau, observing firsthand the production of gold, silver, zinc, and lead.
They flew above the Tongass National Forest, America’s largest, and examined the Suicide Basin in Mendenhall Glacier, which triggers destructive seasonal flooding. Standing outside Ward Air hangers in Juneau, lawmakers explained the importance of experiencing resource challenges personally rather than relying solely on Washington briefings.
Rep Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, emphasized that physical visits provide insight beyond academic discussions, helping Congress better address Alaska’s resource management needs. Committee Chairman Rep Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, joined Alaska’s Rep Nick Begich, who described the scale of the congressional visit as historic.
Other lawmakers included Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin, Pete Stauber of Minnesota, Rob Wittman of Virginia, and Paul Gosar of Arizona. Democrats Val Hoyle of Oregon and Sarah Elfreth of Maryland also joined, though they remained quiet during the group’s Juneau stop.
Rep. Hageman explained that visiting communities ensures members understand challenges like permitting reform and resource management when legislation reaches Capitol Hill. Lawmakers expressed strong interest in minerals, citing rising demand for critical materials vital to US electronics manufacturing and national energy independence.
Rep. Stauber highlighted Alaska’s ability to drive American energy leadership, praising Greens Creek Mine’s potential to meet global mineral demands. Rep. Gosar noted forest thinning could reduce wildfire risks nationwide, citing previous tragedies worsened by unmanaged vegetation in western states.
