Departments
Senator Lieberman reintroduces Arctic Wilderness Bill
by Lexi Keogh, Alaska Wilderness League
March 17, 2003
The Alaska Wilderness League last week applauded a bipartisan coalition of
Senators for introducing legislation to permanently protect the Coastal
Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The legislation, which seeks
to designate the fragile 1.5 million-acre Coastal Plain of the Refuge as
statutory wilderness, was introduced today by Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT).
"We praise the leadership of Senator Lieberman and the other co-sponsors
for
coming together to support legislation that permanently protects Alaska's
most threatened wilderness from the ravages of oil development," said
Cindy
Shogan, Alaska Wilderness League's executive director. "Sacrificing the
crown jewel of our national wildlife refuge system for a six-month supply
of
oil that might be available 10 years from now is unconscionable."
The Arctic Refuge protects some of America's most spectacular wilderness
and
wildlife, including polar bears, musk oxen, caribou, grizzlies, and
millions
of migratory birds. The Gwich'in people, a subsistence culture, consider
the
Coastal Plain, which serves as the calving grounds for the 130,000
migratory
Porcupine River caribou herd, as "the sacred place where life begins."
Last week's announcement comes on the heels of a National Academy of
Sciences Report that outlines the adverse impacts that are a result of 30
years of oil and gas development on Alaska's North Slope.
Sponsors and co-sponsors of this bill are hearing the voices of the
American
people loud and clear. Recent polls have demonstrated that a majority of
Americans want to keep the Refuge wild and free from development.
The bipartisan wilderness legislation already enjoys the support of 25 Senators.
|
 |
Recent Environment Articles
President Bush Signs So-Called 'Healthy Forests' Bill December 3, 2003 Matthew Koehler and Jeanette Russell
The Clean Water Act: 31 years old and rivers are still used as giant urinals October 18, 2003 Peter Maier, PhD, PE
Local volunteer efforts to help our rivers June 5, 2003 Andy Reed
Making Democracy Real May 30, 2003 Ohio Green Party
The Green Party of Ohio calls for candidates for the 2003 and 2004 elections May 30, 2003 The Green Party of Ohio
Dysart Woods Historic Event April 30, 2003 Chad Kister
ComFest Funds a 'Grand' Tree Planting April 20, 2003 Free Press Staff
Federal Energy Regulators Conversation With Wall St May Violate Fed Law April 8, 2003 Jason Leopold
Federal Energy Regulators Find Widespread Abuse During Calif Energy Crisis; Billions In Refunds Ordered March 28, 2003 Jason Leopold
Arctic shenanigans in budget; House budget amendment fails, Senate voting next week. March 18, 2003 Brian Moore, Alaska Wilderness League
Tongass Land Management Plan: no new wilderness March 17, 2003 Brian Moore, Alaska Wilderness League
Senator Lieberman reintroduces Arctic Wilderness Bill March 17, 2003 Lexi Keogh, Alaska Wilderness League
National Academy of Sciences report on drilling impacts March 17, 2003 Alaska Wilderness League
No Comments for you! Extension for NPRA comment period denied March 17, 2003 Alaska Wilderness League
Read Environment Articles by Year: 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 |