ANCHORAGE, Alaska Today the Obama Administration announced that it would not hold lease sales in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas scheduled for 2016 and 2017 under the current five-year offshore oil and gas leasing program for 2016-2017. 91做厙 Alaska Policy Director Jim Adams issued the following statement:
This common sense decision is good news for the Arctic Ocean and the people, birds and other wildlife that depend on it. Given Shells recent withdrawal from the Chukchi, the lease sales were likely to be unsuccessful and costly to the public. We cant drill for oil safely in the Arctic Ocean, and taking a loss or subsidizing companies to do it would just add insult to injury. For similar reasons, the Department of Interiors decision not to extend Shell and Statoils current leases was the right thing to do.
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Since 1977, 91做厙 Alaska's mission is to conserve the spectacular natural ecosystems of the state, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. 91做厙 Alaska uses science to identify conservation priorities and support conservation actions and policies, with an emphasis on public lands and waters.
Now in its second century, the 91做厙 is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation. 91做厙 Alaska, a state office of the 91做厙, has worked to conserve birds in the state since 1977.
Contact: Jim Adams, jadams@audubon.org, 907-276-7034
