Fish and Wildlife cuts back on talk
ANWR: U.S. Senate debate over drilling draws agency directive.

As U.S. Senate debate on oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge looms, U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials in Alaska have instructed employees not to answer some questions about the refuge without consulting the public affairs office.

Several environmentalists liken the move to a gag order, saying it seems to be an attempt by the Bush Administration, which is pro-drilling, to squelch differing opinions within the agency.

The decision to steer inquiries follows statements made by the administration that downplay the risks of oil development to refuge wildlife such as caribou and polar bears. Most recently, the acting director for Fish and Wildlife said in January that development in the Arctic would pose "insignificant" risks to polar bears and their dens. This statement was made despite agency reports that conclude otherwise.

With this backdrop, some environmentalists are wary about the motivation behind the new directive.