Babbitt OKs Rise in Glacier Bay Traffic
Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, in a concession to the new political muscle of Alaska’s Republican congressional delegation, has directed the National Park Service to drop its longstanding opposition to letting more cruise ships visit Glacier Bay National Park.
The order that the Park Service endorse a 72% increase in visits by giant tour boats to a bay that is home to humpback whales and other threatened species represents a victory for Sen. Frank H. Murkowski (R-Alaska), the incoming chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Murkowski has pushed for the increase for years, arguing it is the most efficient and environmentally benign way for large numbers of tourists to see one of Alaska’s most magnificent attractions. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), the incoming chairman of the House Public Lands and Resources Committee, also has advocated increasing the cruise ship traffic.
The committees that will be chaired by Murkowski and Young starting next month have jurisdiction over most Interior Department agencies and programs.
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