Passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act was one of
the most important conservation actions of this century. At stake was the
fate of millions of acres of beautiful land, outstanding and unique
wildlife populations, native cultures, and the opportunity to ensure that
future generations of Americans would be able to enjoy the benefits of
these nationally significant resources. As a result of the leadership,
commitment, and persistence of my Administration and the Congressional
leadership, the Alaska Lands Bill was signed into law last December.
The Act adds 97 million acres of new parks and refuges, more than doubling
the size of our National Park and National Wildlife Refuge Systems. The
bill triples the size of our national wilderness system, increasing its
size by 56 million acres. And by adding 25 free-flowing river segments to
the Wild and Scenic River System, the bill almost doubles the river mileage
in that system. The Alaska Lands Act reaffirms our commitment to the
environment and strikes a balance between protecting areas of great beauty
and allowing development of Alaska's oil, gas, mineral, and timber
resources.