Alaska Natives are divided over President Bush's decision to lift a moratorium on drilling in Bristol Bay.
Dan O�Hara, the mayor of Nanek who also sits on the board of directors for the Bristol Bay Native Corporation, welcomed potential development. He said it could bring revenues to the area.
Ralph Anderson, the chief executive of the non-profit Bristol Bay Native Association, opposed the decision. He said drilling would destroy the environment and the fishing economy.
A group called Resisting Environmental Destruction on Indigenous Lands also criticized the move. Faith Gemmill, the group's outreach coordinator, said development will have long term physical, social, cultural, spiritual and economic impacts on Natives.
Get the Story:Bush lifts ban on Bristol Bay drilling (The Fairbanks Daily News Miner 1/10)
Aleutian basin oil, gas has been OK'd for lease (The Anchorage Daily News 1/10)
pwpwd Inspector General Report:
Minerals Management Service's Compliance Review Process (December 2006) GAO Letter:
Suggested Areas for Oversight for the 110th Congress (November 17, 2006) Inspector General Testimony:
Devaney Interior Department: A Culture of Managerial Irresponsibility and Lack of Accountability? (September 2006) Inspector General Report:
Allegations Concerning Senior Officials of the Office of Special Trustee for American Indians (May 2005) Relevant Links:
Government Accountability Office:
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