President Obama and Secretary Jewell Earn their Stripes as the “Old Faithful” of Conservation

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Margie Alt

Environment America

Today, the Obama Administration announced that new mining claims will be prohibited on 30,000 acres near Yellowstone National Park. Margie Alt, Executive Director of Environment America issued the following statement:

“President Obama and Secretary Jewell are proving to be the conservation movement’s ‘Old Faithful’ as they celebrate and protect our national parks and the lands surrounding them during this year of the centennial of our National Park System.

“Yellowstone National Park with its geysers and wildlife is one of the most popular and iconic places in America.  Protecting 30,000 acres near the north entrance of the park from polluting and dangerous gold drilling is critical to enhancing the quality of the park, the elk, moose, big-horned sheep and other wildlife, and the experience of millions of visitors.

“It is our hope that in their last 6 weeks in office President Obama and Secretary Jewell will double down on their conservation legacy.  Using their authority under the Antiquities Act to permanently protect 1.7 million acres around the Grand Canyon as well as places like Gold Butte, Bear’s Ears, the California Coast, and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge will ensure that future generations can experience the wonders of our National Parks and National Monuments.”