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President Obama plans to make 12 million acres of Alaska protected wilderness

Over 7 million acres of the refuge is currently managed as wilderness.

By Thor Benson
Arctic native people of the Gwich'in Nation form a human banner on the banks of the Porcupine River near Ft. Yukon, Alaska, with a message to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil development on July 21, 2010. The 'Protect' image includes a Porcupine caribou antler and a threatened Yukon River Salmon. UPI/Camila Roy/HO
Arctic native people of the Gwich'in Nation form a human banner on the banks of the Porcupine River near Ft. Yukon, Alaska, with a message to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil development on July 21, 2010. The 'Protect' image includes a Porcupine caribou antler and a threatened Yukon River Salmon. UPI/Camila Roy/HO | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- The Obama Administration announced Sunday it plans to set aside 12 million acres in Alaska to be considered protected wilderness.

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska is roughly 19 million acres in total, and President Obama hopes to make 12 million of those acres designated as wilderness, which means no roads can be built on it and there will be no motorized access. Designating it as wilderness is considered the highest level of protection for a wildlife area.

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"Designating vast areas in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as Wilderness reflects the significance this landscape holds for America and its wildlife," said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. "Just like Yosemite or the Grand Canyon, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of our nation's crown jewels and we have an obligation to preserve this spectacular place for generations to come."

The newly appointed Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee chairman, Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), believes it is an attack on the oil and gas industry that could operate on the land.

"What's coming is a stunning attack on our sovereignty and our ability to develop a strong economy that allows us, our children and our grandchildren to thrive," she said in a statement.

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