White House approves increased oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s national wildlife refuge | Alaska

The Trump administration’s approval of more oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s Arctic national wildlife refuge (ANWR) has sparked widespread criticism from environmental conservation organizations.

interior minister on Thursday announced Opening of 1.56 million acres in ANWR’s coastal plains, home to a variety of wildlife including polar bears, caribou, and moose, as well as whales and seals.

The Interior department also announced an oil and gas lease sale with the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska this winter, which would be the first sale at the 23 million-acre reserve since 2019. Thursday’s announcement comes as part of the Trump administration’s reversal of Joe Biden’s decision to extend federal protections across the reserve in 2024.

In addition, the department re-issued permits to establish the Ambler Road Project, a controversial proposal for 211 miles of gravel road, some of which would be closed to traffic. built through southwest Alaska’s Izembe national wildlife refuge.

Once built, the road will endanger the more than 200,000 migratory birds that pass through the sanctuary each year, among other wildlife. accordingly National Wildlife Refuge Association. The project would also threaten many indigenous tribes who depend on the area for hunting and fishing. At least 39 of Alaska’s interior villages and 37 tribes oppose path.

Meanwhile, Alaska’s congressional representatives are among the project’s proponents. in question It was stated that the road was necessary to access the $7 billion copper deposit as well as other manufacturing minerals such as cobalt and zinc.

Welcoming the moves on Thursday, US interior secretary Doug Burgum said: “From day one, President Trump has directed us to unlock Alaska’s energy and resource potential while delivering on commitments made to the state and local communities.

“By reopening the coastal plain and improving essential infrastructure, we are strengthening energy independence, creating jobs and supporting communities across Alaska while increasing economic growth statewide,” he added.

Environmental groups raise alarm with Alaska Wilderness League says: “The Arctic refuge is the crown jewel of our public lands system. During the government shutdown, while ordinary Americans were left without essential services, President Trump chose to double down on failed policies that prioritize oil companies over people.”

“Opening the entire coastal plain of the Arctic refuge to drilling would destroy one of the most ecologically important landscapes on Earth; the birth grounds of the porcupine caribou herd, vital habitat for polar bears and migratory birds, and the sacred lands of the Gwich’in people, who have protected their resources for thousands of years,” the group said.

Similarly, the nonprofit public interest group Earthjustice, along with its attorney Erik Grafe, condemned the announcement. saying: “Today’s Arctic refuge announcement puts America and Alaska last. Expanding oil drilling in the Arctic threatens irreplaceable wildlife and cultural traditions found nowhere else in the world… The Gwich’in people, most Americans, and even major banks and insurance companies know that the Arctic refuge is no place to drill.”

The Sierra Club echoed similar sentiments: says: “Collectively, these decisions will harm fragile Alaskan ecosystems in the most devastating way possible, causing long-term environmental damage, all while increasing CEOs’ bottom lines.”