Governor Releases Statement on Litigation Regarding Polar Bears

From a State of Alaska press release: "As I have said, I am disappointed with U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne's decision to list polar bears as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Measures are already in place to protect the polar bear.

First and foremost, I will do everything within my power as Governor to protect the interests of the people of Alaska. I also want to do my part to minimize the impact of the Secretary’s decision on the economy of the nation.

By exempting oil and gas development and subsistence use from his decision, the Secretary sought to minimize negative consequences for Alaska . He also found no linkage between economic development in the lower 48 states and the loss of critical polar bear habitat in Alaska. Certain groups have already indicated their intention to litigate the Secretary's findings.

I want to assure Alaskans that my administration, through the Department of Law, will join with those parties seeking to challenge significant elements of the Secretary's listing decision.

The goal here is not necessarily to be the first to litigate but to bring all of the state's legal and analytic resources to bear in order to ensure ultimate victory on the issues of importance to the people of Alaska. So, once litigation has begun, I will direct that the Department of Law and all other state agencies with relevant expertise contribute their resources to the effort. In the meantime, we have already begun an analysis of the approximately 400 pages comprising the Secretary's decision and administrative record.

Without question, litigation challenging the Secretary's decision will be of immense significance to Alaska and the nation. I would not be at all surprised if the case is ultimately decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. As Governor, I believe that my responsibility requires full State participation beginning at the trial court and ending with the last appeal.

At the same time, we will work cooperatively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the health and viability of polar bear populations. As I have stated previously, such protection is one of my primary objectives.

Toward this end, I will request that the Alaska Department of Fish and Game work with its federal counter-parts in the identification of critical habitat, necessary conservation measures and the development of a recovery plan. I believe that State participation will help ensure a better result for polar bears and for the citizens of Alaska. In this regard, I also want to reiterate my view that the Marine Mammals Protection Act already provides the safeguards that are required for polar bear protection, and we will express this view to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Prior to the Secretary's decision, members of my administration spent many days reviewing all relevant information concerning the status of polar bears and submitted our findings to the U.S. Department of the Interior. We will continue our active involvement, whether this is in the courts, administrative agencies, or the Congress."   Source

scott johnson   |05-24-2008 01:49 Wow, is she for real? Pay attention to what is going on in the world, lady. Take some of that BIG OIL money out of your pocket and do what you know is right. This whole sight is a joke, You all are a bunch of sycophants who can't face reality. Wake up, this world will not be here forever.

John   |05-24-2008 19:05 Why are all the greenies so afraid of the world ending and only good for ad hominem attacks? Each time I read a post like this I know something is wrong with their arguments. They basically don't have any as they've all been discredited.

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