By Associated Press - Friday, May 30, 2014

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - The state of Alaska is seeking to intervene in a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over a process that could result in an agency veto of the proposed Pebble Mine project.

The group behind the mine, Pebble Limited Partnership, sued last week, alleging EPA had exceeded its authority by initiating a process that could result in development being prohibited or restricted.

EPA began the process after concluding this year that large-scale mining in the Bristol Bay watershed posed significant risks to salmon. But officials worry that EPA will kill the project before mine plans are finalized or permits are sought.

The state is seeking to intervene as a plaintiff, in support of Pebble.

Attorney General Michael Geraghty says a pre-emptive veto would set a dangerous precedent.

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