WWF Statement on Proposed Arctic Offshore Drilling Leases

In response to today’s US Department of Interior proposal to reopen America’s Arctic Ocean to risky offshore drilling, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) released the following statement from Brad Ack, senior vice president for oceans:

“It’s back to the future again with this proposal to promote risky offshore drilling in America’s Arctic Ocean. Previous failed attempts demonstrated that the region’s unforgiving conditions are no place to explore for fossil fuels the world no longer needs.

“With an oil spill impossible to contain or clean up in these remote waters, today’s decision needlessly places in harm’s way the wildlife, cultures and communities that have long-called this region home.

“Instead of rushing to open public lands and waters in support of an outdated energy strategy, the administration should be investing in the development of our country’s abundant renewable energy resources while protecting our natural treasures.”