The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday blocked an offshore drilling plan in Alaska.

The court said the Interior Department, during the Bush administration, failed to consider the environmental impact of drilling on bowhead whales, fish and other subsistence foods. Alaska Natives and area officials opposed the plan.

"If they're intent on allowing offshore development, they need to really analyze the impact of development on the marine mammals that sustain us, as well as their habitat," Edward Itta, the mayor of the North Slope Borough, which is not a party in the lawsuit, told the Associated Press.

Secretary Ken Salazar said he was reviewing the decision in a statement.

Get the Story:
Court ends Alaska offshore drilling plan (AP 4/19)

DC Circuit Decision:
Center for Biological Diversit v. DOI (April 17, 2009)