Alaskan energy producers expressed dismay over a presidential decision to put the Bristol Bay off limits, though environmentalists lauded its stewardship. President Barack Obama issued a declaration that puts the Bristol Bay out of reach of oil and natural gas producers indefinitely. “This withdrawal prevents consideration of this area for any oil or gas leasing for purposes of exploration, development, or production,” Tuesday’s declaration read. Kara Moriarty, president and chief executive officer at the Alaska Oil and Gas Association, said she questioned the action’s wisdom given its indefinite term limit . “Although it might not be prudent today to consider oil and gas leasing in Bristol Bay, it is unclear why President Obama would choose to address this issue in […]