WASHINGTON (December 16, 2014) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement regarding President Obama’s announcement that he would protect the fishing grounds and ecosystem of Bristol Bay from oil and gas exploration.

“Whether it’s Georges Bank off the coast of Massachusetts or Bristol Bay in Alaska, there are some areas in America that are just too valuable to drill. This important fishery and ecosystem is a key economic driver for Alaska and the West Coast, and an oil spill there would be devastating for the region. I commend President Obama for taking this action, and encourage him to continue to find a balance between protecting America’s special places and responsibly using our energy resources.”