FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2009
Contact: Kristina Johnson 415.977.5619
Bill Would Protect Arctic Refuge as Wilderness
Washington, D.C.- Today, Senator Lieberman (D-Conn.) introduced the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Wilderness bill. The bill would grant one of America's most iconic landscapes the strongest legislative protection possible by designating the Refuge’s Coastal Plain as wilderness. The Arctic Refuge's Coastal Plain supports large populations of caribou, bears, and muskoxen and over 135 species of migratory birds.
Statement of Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope
"The Arctic Refuge is truly one of America’s last wild places. Despite its immeasurable value as wildlife habitat, the Refuge has been under constant threat from needless oil and gas development."
"Drilling the Arctic Refuge would do nothing to solve our energy problems. It would only further stress Arctic wildlife that are already struggling in the face of global warming. Senator Lieberman's bill would ensure that future generations have the chance to enjoy this natural treasure and its wildlife."
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