Carter asks Senate to kill Alaskan wilderness bill

The Senate began debate on the Alaska Lands Bill Monday and President Carter urged senators to reject the attempt to open another 26 million acres of that vast state to oil, mining, and forest industries. The Senate bill, which would open more wilderness to the taking of natural resources, is opposed by environmentalists but supported by many Alaskans.

Mr. Carter told environmentalists the Senate bill would "upset the delicate balance" between economic growth and natural preservation by reducing Alaskan wilderness, natural park areas, and wildlife refugees."