A coalition of 13 House lawmakers led by Rep. Don Young of Alaska has called on the Interior Department’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to rely on sound science when designating critical habitat for polar bear populations in Alaska.

“The FWS acknowledges that the sum of documented impacts from activities, such as oil and gas development and shipping, have been minimal on the polar bear population. Data provided by monitoring and reporting programs in [Alaska’s] Beaufort and Chukchi seas, as required under the more restrictive Marine Mammal Protection Act incidental take authorizations for oil and gas activities, have shown that oil and gas activities can coexist with polar bears through the use of appropriate mitigation measures,” wrote Young, an outspoken Republican on the House Natural Resources Committee, and other House members to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Tuesday.

The lawmakers comments come as the FWS is working on a proposed rule to designate critical habitat for polar bear populations in the United States under the Endangered Species Act.

“We support the efforts of the FWS to ensure that the polar bear and other wildlife thrive,” the lawmakers said. “We also understand that the polar bear has become iconic in the climate change debate, and as such, any policy affecting them quickly becomes one infused with emotion and attention from certain special interest groups.

“We strongly urge the FWS to use sound science and incorporate any applicable technological and scientific advances when determining the most effective way to proceed forward with the polar bear proposed critical habitat.”

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