Governor Sean Parnell today welcomed the effort by Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) and other Alaska Native groups to block the federal government's designation of more than 187,000 square miles of critical habitat for polar bears. Stating the designation is flawed and an affront to Alaska Natives, ASRC announced they plan to sue the federal government over the designation.
"I share the concerns of ASRC and the many other corporations that realize this designation was overreaching and improper," Governor Parnell said. "The designation will have a negative economic impact and would delay jobs, increase the costs of, or even prevent resource development projects that are crucial to Alaskans."
Last month the State of Alaska notified U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar of its intent to sue the Fish and Wildlife Service over the expansive designation of critical habitat for polar bears.