Source: The Hill
President Obama has legally blocked offshore oil and gas drilling in most of the Arctic Ocean, including 21 underwater canyons in the Atlantic.
Together with Canada’s move to protect its entire portion of the Arctic Ocean from drilling, the action will ensure that the unique ecosystem is protected and preserved for years to come.
The plan will run through until 2022.
Major oil companies have opposed the measure previously, arguing that the Alaskan economy will gravely suffer without oil production.
It is unclear whether president-elect Donald Trump will attempt to reverse the move, and whether lawmakers will give in to pressure from major oil industries.
“It would take decades to fully develop the production infrastructure necessary for any large-scale oil and gas leasing production in the region — at a time when we need to continue to move decisively away from fossil fuels,” President Obama said during his announcement, as reported by The Hill.
Read full story at: The Hill