u.s. environmental protection agency give go-ahead friday massive copper gold mine operation seek permit mine headwaters obama-era protect world-class fishery southwest alaska.after agreement court settlement epa start withdraw restrictions mine development bristol bay region pristine alaskan fishery provide world half sockeye salmon.this unfortunate agreement come four months trump come office pebble mine supporters hop would ticket big money trump promise environmental deregulation.environmental right group worry agreement act dangerous precedent industry challenge epa court environmental issue previously go obama administration obviously send psychological message big mine company nervous get permit past golden opportunity get mine process say brett harti government affairs director center biological diversity environment group.it call backdoor deal critics slap face citizens bristol bay region petition keep region protected.the pebble company sue epa federal court claim agency collude environmental group block mine project suit follow epa study conclude propose large-scale mine pose siginificant risk region salmon cause adverse effect alaskan natives base culture around salmon resources area epa inspector general find evidence epa predetermine outcome study way protect bristol bay pebble mine priority issue hook-and-bullet community 10 years real test president trump say right things sportsmen election say scott hed director sportsman alliance alaska direct assault value america hunters anglers extremely disappoint let fight protect bristol bay photo sergi reboredo/vw pics/uig via getty image half world salmon supply threaten trump epa withdraw alaskan mine restrictions