Legislation introduced in the U.S. House by Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, on Thursday, Jan. 27, would prevent future closure of oceans from economic and recreational activity, including resource development and fishing, without congressional approval.
The Marine Access and State Transparency (MAST) Act, authored by Young, would empower Congress, rather than the president, to make determinations relating to the designation of marine sanctuaries.
Young said that President Joe Biden, through executive orders introduced at the start of his administration, are an attempt to cripple Alaska’s energy sector and destroy good-paying jobs.
“Congress must assert its power and keep him from doing the same to our fishing and water recreation industries,” he said. “No president should unilaterally close off even one square mile of land or ocean without first seeking approval from Congress.”
