Joe Lieberman: “I am proud to again join with Senator Roth in the very important bipartisan effort to designate the coastal plain of the…”

“I am proud to again join with Senator Roth in the very important bipartisan effort to designate the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as wilderness--forever. Today is Earth Day 1999. The introduction of the Arctic Wilderness Act is particularly appropriate on Earth Day because it will provide permanent protection for the unique and irreplaceable natural resources of an area that is the ``biological heart'' of the North Slope of Alaska. The coastal plain is a vital part of the tundra ecosystem that some have referred to as ``America's Serengetti.'' On Earth Day, we should take extra measure of special, rare, and threatened places. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain is one of these places. It is one natural treasure that we must protect as wilderness for current and future generations. The coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife refuge represents the wildest and most pristine arctic coastal ecosystem in the United States.”