WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Barrasso , R-Wyo., issued the following statement regarding the Department of Interior’s decision to list the polar bear as a “threatened species” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA):

“Today’s announcement does little to help polar bears," Barrasso said. "But it does significantly threaten the economic well-being of the country."

“The listing of the polar bear under the ESA could be economically devastating to Wyoming and the nation. It clears the path for the federal government to regulate virtually every human activity that involves the release of carbon into the atmosphere.

“Every weekend in Wyoming I hear people talk about their concerns over increased energy prices. Today’s decision further complicates the outlook for our economy and the surging energy prices.