"Barack Obama has announced he is removing more than 52,000 sq miles (135,000 sq km) of waters off Alaska’s coast from consideration for oil and gas exploration or drilling.

The US president said Bristol Bay and nearby waters, covering an area roughly the size of Florida, would be withdrawn from consideration for petroleum leases. He called Bristol Bay one of the country’s great natural resources and a massive economic engine.

'It’s something that’s too precious for us to be putting out to the highest bidder,' Obama said."

Dan Joling reports for the Associated Press December 17, 2014. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"President Obama Declares Waters in And Near Bristol Bay Off Limits To Oil And Gas Leasing" (Alaska Dispatch News) [3]

"Obama Blocks Bristol Bay Oil, Gas Development" (Politico) [4]