Governor Parnell Speaks Out Against NOAA Cook Inlet Decision
Governor Sean Parnell has issued the following statement on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announcement that 3,016 square miles of Cook Inlet will be designated as critical habitat for beluga whales.
“Today’s announcement is another example of the federal government unnecessarily locking up Alaska land from development,” said Governor Parnell. “The State filed comments on the beluga whale regarding the endangered species designation, the critical habitat designation and we filed suit to challenge the designation of belugas as endangered. Now that we have a final decision on critical habitat, we will review the decision and continue to fight these federal actions that destroy jobs and opportunities for economic development.
“No one cares about the Alaskan environment more than Alaskans. Despite the passage of legislation last year and the protestations of legislators who represent and live in these communities, and evidence that the beluga whale population is recovering, the federal government has taken this action. The likely result will be less resource development, less economic development, and fewer jobs at a time when the president recently called for increased domestic energy production. Presidential statements are one thing, but again the agencies continue to lock up land and hurt our families and Alaska communities.”
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game expressed concern that vast areas of habitat were identified as critical despite their lack of important habitat features for beluga whales or documented use. “There is insufficient data to substantiate the designation of these vast areas of Cook Inlet as critical habitat for beluga whales,” said Commissioner Cora Campbell. “Many of these areas lack the essential features identified as important to beluga whales.”
Topics: 2011, Alaska, America, beluga whales, conservation, Cook Inlet, critical habitat, Department of Fish and Game, economic development, economic growth, Economy, employment, endangered species, environment, federal actions, Governance, government, Governor Sean Parnell, jobs, land, moniter, monitor, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, news, NOAA, society, States Rights, U.S., United States
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