10.24.16

Sullivan Extremely Frustrated by Ninth Circuit Ruling Allowing Bearded Seal Listing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today expressed frustration at a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit opinion overturning a District Court’s 2014 ruling that found the 2012 listing of the bearded seal as “threatened” by the National Marine Fisheries Service under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was unwarranted. ‎

“I am deeply troubled by the 9th Circuit’s decision today to allow unnecessary and crushing federal regulatory burdens to move forward, which will impact large swaths of Alaska lands and waters,” said Senator Sullivan. “The listing will have detrimental impacts on our ability to access Alaska’s lands and resources, which is why a broad coalition – Alaska Native organizations, resource development groups, individual Alaskans and the state – came together to oppose the listing pushed by outside radical environmentalists. I will do everything in my power to fight efforts by federal agencies to lock up our lands and resources and stifle economic opportunities for Alaskans. I hope the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the matter in the coming term should the parties decide to appeal."

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