Washington (CNN) The Obama administration is moving to block oil and gas production along a major part of Alaska's northern coastline, setting off another energy battle with Republican lawmakers.

On Sunday, President Barack Obama announced plans for the Interior Department to designate 12 million acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, including its coastal plains, for conservation. The possibility of such a move has been the cause of a lengthy battle between environmentalists and the energy industry for some time.

Though his administration could take some steps immediately, the plan would need the approval of Congress -- which Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, made clear won't be happening.

She called the Obama administration's move a "stunning attack" on Alaska's economy.

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