WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Bishop stated that steady growth of Alaska is impossible within the legal framework formed by outgoing president Barack Obama.
“Today’s action will make the Bering Strait a choke point for any vessel seeking to reach Alaska Natives on the North Slope who want to see economic development on their lands,” Bishop stated. “Alaskans want a brighter future with growing jobs, rising incomes and a healthy economy. Unfortunately, that doesn’t fit with President Obama’s dubious legacy.”
Bishop added in the release that the Obama administration has followed direction from environmentalists to restrict the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and block responsible development.
The land is protected from future oil or gas leasing for the purposes of exploration, development or production, Obama said in the order.