Epstein is reckless in her assertions and she demonstrates a complete inability to think strategically.  What is really in play here is the typical knee jerk reaction from environmentalists who oppose any development, at any time, of any kind.  Epstein uses the fiscal problems Alaska has as an excuse to stop responsible development.

Not all projects are equal.  Yet Epstein lumps them all together, which is foolish.

Building hydroelectric projects is strongly supported by Interior residents who want the jobs and clean energy a project like Susitna would foster.

Currently the cities of Fairbanks and North Pole have the worst air quality in the state, and the nation.  People in the Interior are at increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and cancer due to the dangerously polluted air they breath.  Scientific research by the BMJ backs this up- as well as epidemiological data.  But Epstein does not seem to care about this- or she is ignorant of just how bad things are in the Interior.