The US Fish and Wildlife Service is stretching out its planning process for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The public comment period for its draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan was extended to mid-November, pushing the final decision to late next year, probably after the 2012 election. Wednesday, six hours were set aside for a hearing in Anchorage. The reason for all this time is easy to see: The feds have proposed a wilderness recommendation for the coastal plain, for the first time ever.
Listen for the full story
Download Audio (MP3)