deleted, doesn't realize, he's closer to lexington, kentucky today than he was when i just flew off the north slope. it made the point to me, alaska's pretty big. there's an awful lot we need to protect. that's why i'm working to protect crystal bay from mining operations that would threaten one of the world's largest salmon runs. that's why i'm refusing to sell off the arctic national wildlife reserve to oil and gas companies. [ cheers and applause ] these protections provide a bridge to our past but they also build a bridge to a safer, more sustainable future. one where we strengthen our economy and pass on a healthy planet to our children and our grandchildren. let me close with this. everett abbey, a writer who once worked is a ranger in utah, wrote, quote, this is the most beautiful place on earth. there are many such places.