The Nation - News from Sept. 1, 1989

President Bush will not visit the oil-contaminated coast of Alaska soon, White House Chief of Staff John H. Sununu said, citing unpredictable weather and logistical difficulties. A visit to the site of the Exxon Valdez oil spill had been under consideration as part of a planned trip to the West the week of Sept. 17. Although the White House went so far as to send an inspection team to Alaska, Sununu told reporters at the President’s vacation home in Kennebunkport, Me., that the trip now is only “a possibility for spring.” At the same time, he denied that political concerns entered into the decision. Although Bush came under sharp criticism for the government’s belated decision to take charge of efforts to contain and clean up the spill, Sununu said Bush “still wants to go up there” to demonstrate his commitment to the environment.