JUNEAU — Alaska political leaders are blasting an Obama administration decision Tuesday designating the bulk of U.S.-owned waters in the Arctic Ocean and certain areas in the Atlantic Ocean as indefinitely off limits to future oil and gas leasing.
Gov. Bill Walker called it an unprecedented move that “marginalizes the voices of those who call the Arctic home and have asked for responsible resource development to lower the cost of energy to heat houses and businesses.”
U.S. Rep. Don Young called the decision “a cowardly move by a lame-duck president.”
In a statement, Young said the groundwork for overturning the decision already is being laid.
Environmental groups hope the ban, despite relying on executive powers, will be difficult for future presidents to reverse.
