Palin reverses Murkowski move

February 6, 2008 5:10 PM - Posted by Myrl Thompson

Gov. Sarah Palin said Tuesday she will move the state Division of Habitat back into the Department of Fish and Game.

The move would reverse the controversial change made by former governor Frank Murkowski.

Murkowski then claimed the move was made in order to "streamline" the permitting process and promote development.

Critics of the Murkowski move pointed out that the environment would be better protected with Habitat under Fish & Game. Palin's executive order will take place in January 2009.

Is this a good move? Is it more logical for wildlife and environmental issues that Habitat handles, be under Fish & Game or the Division of Natural Resources, which deals mostly with mineral extraction?

Related story:

No place like home for Habitat Division - February 17, 2007