The Marine Access and State Transparency Act was introduced by Congressman Don Young this week, aiming to limit the use of executive powers with regards to marine sanctuaries. Currently, the executive branch has the power to designate sanctuaries, but Congressman Young thinks that power should be in Congress’ hands.
He claims that President Biden’s Executive Orders, issued thus far, have attempted to “cripple Alaska’s energy sector and destroy good-paying jobs.”
In a release issued from Congressman Young’s office, he noted that the MAST Act: “…will empower Congress – not the President – to make determinations relating to the designation of marine sanctuaries. This is not just about President Biden, but about future Presidents as well.”
Another bill introduced by Young also touches upon environmental policy, aiming to allow states to “select and acquire certain National Forest System lands to be managed and operated by the state for timber production and other purposes.” This is the National Forest Management Act, which Congressman Young also introduced this week.