Government Mandates Auction for Arctic Refuge Drilling Rights

In the coming months, the federal government plans to auction drilling rights in northern Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This follows the completion of a final environmental assessment by the Interior Department. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act obligates the government to conduct two auctions for this reserve by the end of 2024. The Arctic Refuge, encompassing approximately 19.6 million acres, is a vital habitat for diverse wildlife and holds significant cultural importance for the Gwich'in indigenous people. The Gwich'in and environmental advocates express deep concern over the proposed leasing program, fearing for the survival of caribou and their traditional way of life, which relies on the health of these lands. The local Gwich'in Steering Committee and allied organizations, such as the Sierra Club, support efforts to repeal the leasing mandate established by the 2017 Act. Many argue that the Coastal Plain of the Arctic Refuge, often described as one of the last untouched landscapes on Alaska's North Slope, should remain protected from oil and gas exploitation. Activists urge the Biden administration to prioritize environmental preservation and respect indigenous cultural values regarding land use. There is a strong call from local leaders, including Tonya Garrett of the Gwich'in Steering Committee, for the restoration of protections over these vital ecosystems, emphasizing that any drilling threatens both their land and livelihood.