Using his legal authority to protect certain offshore areas from oil and gas leasing, President Obama today signed an executive order to do just that for Bristol Bay in Alaska.
http://abcnews.go.com/...
President Barack Obama announced Tuesday that he's removing more than 52,000 square miles of waters off Alaska's coast from consideration for oil and gas exploration or drilling.
The president said in a video announcement that Bristol Bay and nearby waters, covering an area roughly the size of Florida, would be withdrawn from consideration for petroleum leases. He called Bristol Bay one of the country's great natural resources and a massive economic engine.
"It's something that's too precious for us to be putting out to the highest bidder," Obama said.
Bristol Bay has supported Native Americans in the Alaska region for centuries, he said.
"It supports about $2 billion in the commercial fishing industry," Obama said. "It supplies America with 40 percent of its wild-caught seafood."
To see the video of Obama taking this action, go here:
http://bit.ly/...
Though many are seeking broader protection for Bristol Bay that includes protection from the proposed massive Pebble Mine, Obama must stick to what is legally allowed by executive authority, which for now includes permanent protection from offshore leasing. It's a great start to giving Bristol Bay the recognition and long-term protection that is needed to keep this important food basket of the world protected.
Long live sustainable fisheries and healthy food.
Let the executive actions roll.