Gov. Sean Parnell has mounted a strong defense of the state's system of regulating and permitting mines, saying the misuse of the Endangered Species Act and proposed changes to federal mining laws threaten mineral exploration and development in the state.

In his speech to the annual convention of the Alaska Miners Association in November, the governor praised the state's rigorous permitting process as a world-class system that protects the environment while providing jobs and services across Alaska.

"Our permitting standards start with many years of environmental baseline data collection," Parnell said. "Dozens of authorizations from state, federal and local agencies are required before a mine can begin operations, and denial of any one of these authorizations along the way can stop the project.

Some deny the existence of a lengthy and complex process involving both state and federal agencies to ensure that air, water, fish and wildlife resources are protected, Parnell said.

"That's just not right. I'm standing up for Alaska's permitting processes. The rules are clear, and the departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Conservation and Fish and Game do good work," he said. "Our permitting standards start with many years of environmental baseline data collection."

Dozens of authorizations from state, federal and local agencies are required before a mine can begin operations and denial of any one of these authorizations can stop the project. An environmental impact statement that takes years to complete is required.

Parnell listed several steps mine developers must take:

* Authorizations are needed for disposal of potentially hazardous mine waste and design approval for storage facilities;

* Reclamation plans must be in place and dams at mine sites must be built to high standards;

* Financial assurances at many levels are required;

* Any activity that could disturb fish habitat must be reviewed and approved by the state Department of Fish and Game;

* Large mines must have environmental audits every five years.

"We are well aware of increased opposition to specific mining projects in Alaska, as well as some outright opposition to any mining in the state," he said. "Unfortunately, this opposition is far removed from a reasonable conversation about environmental safety and standards but relies instead on media misconceptions and legal shenanigans.

"The state will vigorously defend the permits we issue and our permitting process."