Senator Mark Begich on OCS decision

From a Senator Begich press release:

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich released the following statement after today's decision by a federal appeals court to cancel a program to expand oil and gas drilling off the coast of Alaska. The court found that the Interior Department under former President Bush did not properly study the environmental impact of the program before it began the process in 2005.

"The court's ruling today is a huge setback for Alaska and shows what happens when decisions are rushed. The actions of the Bush Administration have put Alaska's oil and gas industry at risk."

"I am pleased we were able to bring current Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to Alaska to see and hear first-hand the need for responsible oil and gas development in Alaska."

"This decision is clearly not the end of the discussion. We will continue working with the Obama Administration and the Interior Department to show the careful balance that must be achieved to prevent litigation and achieve positive results for the oil and gas industry in our state, to continue to produce good-paying jobs, and to achieve energy independence for our country.'