President Obama steps forward to protect Bristol Bay from oil and gas exploration

Environment America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, President Obama announced that he will protect a key part of America’s natural heritage and one of the world’s largest salmon runs in Bristol Bay, Alaska from the devastating impacts of oil and gas drilling.  Aaron Weil, conservation advocate with Environment America, issued the following statement in response:

“Bristol Bay is a vital part of America’s natural heritage – a place that sea otters, seals, walruses, Beluga and Killer whales, and the endangered North Pacific Right Whale all call home.   We are thrilled that President Obama is moving forward with the protection of the irreplaceable watersheds around Bristol Bay and the wild salmon that depend on these pristine rivers, ensuring these waters are permanently off limits to the devastating impacts of oil and gas drilling.   This irreplaceable treasure deserves the permanent protection that President Obama has now provided it.”