Jonathon Berman, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC -- Today, the Washington Post is reporting that Donald Trump’s Department of the Interior has approved a land swap deal that will permit a road to be constructed through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. In doing so, Trump and Ryan Zinke will reverse wildlife protections that have preserved the refuge for decades.
In response, Sierra Club Land Protection Program Director Athan Manuel released the following statement:
“Donald Trump and Ryan Zinke’s plan to construct a road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge is as disastrous as it was when it was first proposed decades ago. Study after study has shown that a road through this pristine refuge will still pose winter safety risks while wasting millions of taxpayers’ dollars.
“King Cove residents, like all Americans, deserve access to healthcare, but once again, this administration has proven it cannot come up with an acceptable solution. Trump and Zinke should instead review the options previously proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers, and develop a solution that meets the needs of local residents while protecting Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.