In reversal, U.S. EPA maintains restriction on Alaska mine project

(This version of the Jan. 26 story corrects headline, first, third and fifth paragraphs to show the EPA has maintained restrictions and not halted project approval process.)WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In a surprise move, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reversed itself on Friday and maintained restrictions on the proposed Pebble Mine copper and gold mine project in southwest Alaska's Bristol Bay region."It is my judgment at this time that any mining projects in the region likely pose a risk t