Virginia Cramer, virginia.cramer@sierraclub.org, 804-519-8449
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Reporting by CNN today reveals that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is pushing for a road to be built through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The road would be the first constructed through a Wilderness area, and marks the latest in a long string of decisions by the Interior Department to roll back protections for wild places.
In response, Athan Manuel, director of public land protection for the Sierra Club released the following statement:
“The proposed land swap and road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge remains as ill-advised as it was when first proposed. This idea has been repeatedly studied and consistently rejected. A road would damage existing wilderness, pose significant winter safety risks, and would cost taxpayers millions.
“King Cove residents deserve emergency access to healthcare. It’s past time to start focusing on solutions that meet the needs of local residents while keeping Izembek National Wildlife Refuge intact.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.