Sullivan Condemns U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rule That Preempts State Wildlife Management

Press Release

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan today condemned a rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) that would fundamentally alter wildlife management on Alaska's 77 million acres of national wildlife refuge land.

This rule targets the State of Alaska's proven, science-based wildlife management strategies that have been subject to rigorous public review and participation. Instead, the Fish and Wildlife Service rule preempts the State's management authority, a principle that was enshrined in the Alaska Statehood Act, and further protected in the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA).

"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's rule severely restricts the State of Alaska's efforts to sustainably manage wildlife and minimizes the participation of Alaskans in future decisions affecting the use of its refuges," said Senator Sullivan. "Even more alarming, the FWS ignores the intent of federal law and promises made to Alaska at statehood. Plain and simple--this rule reflects a callous attitude toward Alaska's culture and conservation ethic and threatens the careful balance currently employed to sustainably manage wildlife populations to protect subsistence and recreational opportunities."

Since its proposal on January 8, 2016, Sen. Sullivan has worked aggressively to derail the rule.

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