Difference between revisions of "Arctic National Wildlife Refuge"

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*'''Size:''' 19.6 million acres, roughly the size of South Carolina. The 1.6 million acre coastal plain is considered its ‘biological heart’.
 
*'''Size:''' 19.6 million acres, roughly the size of South Carolina. The 1.6 million acre coastal plain is considered its ‘biological heart’.
 
*'''Protection History:''' Established by President Eisenhower in 1960 with bipartisan support as the Arctic Wildlife Range, with the purpose of protecting an entire ecosystem. It was expanded in 1980 under President Carter through the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act (ANILCA) to create the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
 
*'''Protection History:''' Established by President Eisenhower in 1960 with bipartisan support as the Arctic Wildlife Range, with the purpose of protecting an entire ecosystem. It was expanded in 1980 under President Carter through the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act (ANILCA) to create the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
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*'''Most Recent Protection:''' In 2015, President Obama transmitted to Congress a wilderness recommendation for more than 12 million acres within the Arctic Refuge, including the entire 1.6 million areas of the coastal plain.  
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*'''Most Recent Protection:''' In 2019, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1146 which would repeal the mandate in the 2017 Tax Act to lease the coastal plain for oil and gas development. On day one, President Biden announced a temporary moratorium on all leasing activities in the Arctic Refuge.
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*'''Tax Reform Fallout:''' In December 2017, as a component of its tax reform bill, Congress opened the Arctic Refuge to oil and gas leasing and development.
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*'''Tax Reform Fallout:''' In December 2017, as a component of its tax reform bill, Congress opened the Arctic Refuge to oil and gas leasing and development by mandating two lease sales.
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*'''Oil and Gas Development Threats:''' The Trump administration is aiming for 3D seismic exploration to begin as soon as winter 2018, and aims to hold its first lease sale by summer 2019.
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*'''Oil and Gas Development Threats:''' In January 2021, the Trump administration held the first ever Arctic Refuge lease sale. 3D seismic exploration on the coastal plain remains an imminent threat as well.
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*'''A Failed Lease Sale:''' The January 2021 lease sale failed to raise even 1% of promised revenues and received little industry interest. Only 9 of 32 available tracts were awarded, with two companies each receiving 1 tract, and the rest being awarded to the state of Alaska.
 
*'''Climate Change:''' Rising Arctic temperatures are leading to melting permafrost, receding sea ice, coastal erosion, changes in vegetation growth patterns, altered caribou migration routes, increased forest fires, shrinking lakes, and more.
 
*'''Climate Change:''' Rising Arctic temperatures are leading to melting permafrost, receding sea ice, coastal erosion, changes in vegetation growth patterns, altered caribou migration routes, increased forest fires, shrinking lakes, and more.
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*'''Wildlife:''' The Arctic Refuge is home to polar bears, 200 species of migratory birds, arctic foxes, black & brown bears, Dall sheep, moose, musk oxen, caribou, wolves, wolverines and more.
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*'''Wildlife:''' The Arctic Refuge is home to polar bears, 200 species of migratory birds, arctic foxes, black & brown bears, Dall sheep, moose, musk oxen, caribou, wolves, wolverines, and more.
 
*'''Significance to Alaska Natives:''' The Gwich’in people call the coastal plain “The Sacred Place Where Life Begins.” Protecting the Porcupine caribou herd that calves each summer on the coastal plain is a matter of basic human rights for the Gwich’in.
 
*'''Significance to Alaska Natives:''' The Gwich’in people call the coastal plain “The Sacred Place Where Life Begins.” Protecting the Porcupine caribou herd that calves each summer on the coastal plain is a matter of basic human rights for the Gwich’in.
  
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The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is America’s largest wildlife refuge, comprising 19.6 million acres of one of the wildest corners left in North America. Its biological heart – the 1.6 million acre coastal plain – is home to countless species of birds and numerous land mammals, like caribou, musk oxen and polar bears. The place holds special meaning to the Gwich’in people, who today rely on caribou for their sustenance, as they have for thousands of years. For many adventurers, a visit to the Arctic Refuge is the wilderness experience of a lifetime.
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The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is America’s largest wildlife refuge, comprising 19.6 million acres of one of the wildest corners left in North America. Its biological heart – the 1.6 million acre coastal plain – is home to countless species of birds and numerous land mammals, like caribou, musk oxen and polar bears. The place holds special meaning to the Gwich’in people, who today rely on caribou for their sustenance, as they have for thousands of years. For many adventurers, a visit to the Arctic Refuge is the wilderness experience of a lifetime. It is no wonder that the Arctic Refuge earned protections in 1960 shortly after Alaska became a state, which remained in place until December of 2017. Now for the first time in decades, the coastal plain faces the threat of oil and gas development, which would forever change this landscape.
  
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It is no wonder that the refuge earned protections in 1960 shortly after Alaska became a state, which remained in place until December of 2017.
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As the tax reform debate came to a close in 2017, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski slipped two pages of drilling text into the final bill, undermining decades of thoughtful management and protections. The Trump administration held the first ever oil and gas lease sale on January 6th, 2020 in attempt to secure drilling rights before the incoming Biden administration. This lease sale was an enormous financial failure raising less than 1% of promised revenues, with the majority of the bids coming from a state-owned entity. On day one, the Biden administration issued a temporary moratorium on all leasing activities in the Arctic Refuge. However, legislation is still needed to repeal the Tax Act mandate and restore lasting protections to the coastal plain. Please see below for relevant legislation, talking points, fact sheets and more on what we're doing to defend the Arctic Refuge.
  
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Today, for the first time in decades, the coastal plain faces potential oil and gas leasing, which would forever change this landscape. As the tax reform debate came to a close in Washington, D.C., last fall, Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski slipped two pages of drilling text into the final bill, undermining decades of thoughtful management and protections. Today, in an unprecedented mad dash, the Trump administration is [https://www.adn.com/business-economy/energy/2018/04/19/trump-administration-launches-process-to-lease-anwr-for-drilling/ moving to hold oil and gas lease sales by summer 2019], [https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/companies-take-first-steps-to-drill-for-oil-in-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge/2018/05/31/8f133464-643a-11e8-a768-ed043e33f1dc_story.html and allow dangerous seismic surveys this winter], all before the true impacts of Arctic Refuge development can be understood. Please see below for relevant legislation, talking points, fact sheets and more to help us defend the Arctic Refuge.
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[[#Fact Sheets|Fact Sheets]] | [[#Congressional Letters|Congressional Letters]] | [[#Public Letters|Public Letters]] | [[#Maps|Maps]] | [[#Research & Reports|Research & Reports]]
  
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[[#Fact Sheets|Fact Sheets]] | [[#Congressional Letters|Congressional Letters]] | [[#Public Letters|Public Letters]] | [[#Maps|Maps]] | [[#Research & Reports|Research & Reports]] 
 
  
 
'''''Recent Legislative Activity'''''
 
'''''Recent Legislative Activity'''''
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*'''[https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1146/cosponsors?pageSort=lastToFirst&loclr=cga-member H.R. 1146] [https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/ERkTUCh56OFPg6iX65HV9mQBbdIfHS9MN0yoWk59ligDxg?e=SfdLkt Arctic Refuge Cultural & Coastal Plain Protection Act]'''  
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*'''[https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/815?q= H.R. 815]/[https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/282?q= S. 282] [https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EdHB9ohOExBFmqlRz0g0vc4BjjvFZ122yt5dzMDMITR6Qw?e=DVEF6G Arctic Refuge Protection Act] (117th Congress)'''
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**This bill would repeal the provision of the tax bill (H.R. 1) that mandates leasing in the Arctic Refuge and designate the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge as wilderness.
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**To cosponsor, email Logan Ferree (mailto:logan.ferree@mail.house.gov) in Representative Huffman's office (D-CA) or Hannah Vogel (mailto:hannah_vogel@markey.senate.gov) in Senator Markey's office (D-MA) for the Senate companion.
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**[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EQdZhbeghCVDnKeymCrqRI0Bql0CEGzXbOaXE0V43KDScg?e=yqmtLH Support letter from over 200 organizations]
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*'''[https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1146 H.R. 1146] [https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/ERkTUCh56OFPg6iX65HV9mQBbdIfHS9MN0yoWk59ligDxg?e=SfdLkt Arctic Refuge Cultural & Coastal Plain Protection Act] (116th Congress)'''  
 
**This bill would repeal the provision of the tax bill (H.R. 1) that mandates leasing in the Arctic Refuge.
 
**This bill would repeal the provision of the tax bill (H.R. 1) that mandates leasing in the Arctic Refuge.
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**To cosponsor, email Logan Ferree (mailto:logan.ferree@mail.house.gov) in Representative Jared Huffman's (D-CA-2) office.  
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**H.R. 1146 passed the House of Representatives on September 12th, 2019 and became the first stand alone bill to protect the Arctic Refuge to pass in Congress.  
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**[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/ERDZhFS9YGNMvCVu8lFOqMMB8yGGovJkHdBYDIMqhPCzHw?e=fLqRa2 Support letter from over 40 organizations]
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**[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EZq9aq_Rlb5Lp5Ffmx672HIBIxkibAjUmlsL9cZ_6Nx1Gw?e=NshB3K Support letter from over 50 organizations]
  
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*'''[https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1 H.R. 1], Tax Cuts & Jobs Act'''  
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*'''[https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1 H.R. 1] Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (115th Congress)'''  
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**The overhaul of the American tax code came with a provision that mandated leasing in the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge.  
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**The overhaul of the American tax code came with a provision that mandated two oil and gas lease sales in the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge.  
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**This provision claimed that these lease sales would raise a total of $1 billion in revenue for the Federal Treasury
  
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*'''[https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1889/text H.R. 1889]/[https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/820/text S. 820], [https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EXMIs8n_jyBAqhtST1m1QAQBpICCNIe0--Jee12iBiUPAA?e=l9eLJe Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act]'''
 
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**Landmark legislation that would designate the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge as protected wilderness.
 
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**To cosponsor: email Logan Ferree (mailto:logan.ferree@mail.house.gov) in Rep. Huffman's office or Morgan Gray (mailto:morgan_gray@markey.senate.gov) in Senator Ed Markey's office (D-MA).
 
  
 
'''''Talking Points'''''   
 
'''''Talking Points'''''   
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*'''The Trump administration is cutting corners to expedite oil and gas development.''' Interior’s rushed process to lease the coastal plain in place of a measured, science-driven effort that provides for robust public input is a disservice to the American people, including the Alaska Natives who will be significantly and negatively impacted by development. A planning process conducted in accordance with federal law will make clear that drilling on the coastal plain will cause irreparable harm to the wildlife, wilderness, recreational opportunities, and subsistence resources the Arctic Refuge was established to protect.
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*The Arctic Refuge is one of our nation’s most majestic public lands, home to the Porcupine Caribou Herd, denning polar bears, musk oxen, wolves, and nearly 200 species of migratory birds. '''Its biological heart, the coastal plain, is no place for oil and gas development.'''
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*'''The Alaska delegation is concerned only with getting seismic exploration done and leases into the hands of oil companies before the political winds change.''' With 2/3rds of Americans opposed to Arctic Refuge leasing, this concern makes sense. The reason that Interior is rushing is clear, as Senator Murkowski (R-AK) has been explicit in saying that the intention is to get the leases finalized so that a new administration cannot come in and undo the process. On working with DOI, from E&E: "There is a strong commitment to work with us to get these leases out before the end of this term," Murkowski explained at an Anchorage business meeting. ''"Because once you get those leases out into the hands of those who can then move forward, it's tougher" for environmentalists to file court challenges against leasing in the Arctic Refuge.''([https://www.eenews.net/energywire/stories/1060076031/search?keyword=murkowski+anwr Senator Murkowski, 3/12/18])
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*'''Indigenous voices in particular are being ignored.''' The Gwich’in people have worked to protect the Coastal Plain for generations because it is the calving and nursery grounds for the Porcupine Caribou Herd. The Gwich’in Nation strongly oppose this dangerous rush to drill, which threatens to alter caribou migration and population, risking the Gwich’in way of life. Protecting the caribou is a matter of basic human rights.  
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*'''Even Seismic Exploration can change the landscape for decades.''' The scars of the 2D seismic testing completed on the coastal plain in 1984 and 1985 are [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/15/climate/arctic-drilling-anwr.html still visible 30 years later]. Modern seismic exploration is done using a 3D technique that involves a much denser grid of trails – the 1984-85 trails on the coastal plain were approximately four miles apart, while the 3D seismic trails envisioned here would be a mere 660 feet apart.
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*'''Arctic oil will exacerbate the climate crisis.''' Burning Arctic Refuge oil threatens to release [https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2019/11/20/477495/trumps-energy-policies-put-alaska-climate-crosshairs/ 4.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere], according to the BLM estimate that there are 10 billion barrels of extractable oil in the coastal plain. This is equivalent to the annual emissions from more than 1,100 coal-fired power plants and would contribute significantly to the climate crisis. Just the process of extracting oil and gas from the coastal plain alone would create an additional [https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2019/11/20/477495/trumps-energy-policies-put-alaska-climate-crosshairs/ 26 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions] throughout the lifetime of the program according to BLM.
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*'''Indigenous voices in particular are being ignored.''' This is yet another example of Secretary Zinke and President Trump disregarding indigenous rights and public wishes in the rush to sell out our public lands to oil interests. Using a hurried, predetermined plan to complete an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) within one year and limit it to 150 pages is incompatible with protecting the wilderness and wildlife values of the Arctic Refuge or the subsistence needs of the Gwich’in people.
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*'''Drilling in the Arctic Refuge is widely opposed by the American people.''' According to public opinion research commissioned by [https://cdn.americanprogress.org/content/uploads/2017/01/18040010/E-12075-CAP-Energy-Enviro-Climate-Voters-FINAL.pdf the Center for American Progress,] two thirds of Americans oppose drilling in the Arctic Refuge, with a majority (52%) “strongly opposed.” And according to recent public polling done by [http://climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications/americans-oppose-drilling-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge/ Yale Climate Connections,] a large majority of American voters (70%) oppose drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Those strongly opposed outnumber those who strongly support the policy by more than 4 to 1.
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*For more than five decades, '''the Arctic Refuge has been a symbol''' of what we want for our future – the preservation of a way of life, climate justice, and the protection wild places. Not only does the mad dash to develop the Arctic Refuge threaten the place today, but it also will greatly shape the legacy we leave for future generations.
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*'''The lease sale resulted in abysmal revenues for the federal taxpayer:''' of the $12.1 million total, the federal government only receives 50%, or a mere $6 million. That’s 0.67% of what was promised by proponents ($6.06 million vs. $900 million). These revenues show there is no serious interest in development and the leasing program was established on a lie. Protecting these lands for tribes, communities, and the American public, however, is priceless, and the miniscule lease revenue shows that the Arctic Refuge Leasing Program is also horrendous economic policy.
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*'''Banks have adopted policies that would preclude them from financing drilling in the Arctic Refuge'''. Financial institutions understand drilling in the Arctic Refuge would be a toxic investment and too big of a financial risk to take. All six major U.S. banks [https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/528146-bank-of-america-pledges-no-financing-for-arctic-oil (Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo)], along with over a dozen international banks, have rejected financing for drilling in the Arctic Refuge. [https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/481272-democratic-senators-ask-banks-to-prohibit-funding-arctic-drilling Congressional leaders] have [https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/483871-33-democratic-lawmakers-urge-banks-to-halt-funding-anwr-drilling written letters] to the remaining major U.S. banks urging them to take this stance as well.
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*'''The Trump administration cut corners to expedite oil and gas development.''' Interior’s rushed process to lease the coastal plain in place of a measured, science-driven effort that provides for robust public input is a disservice to the American people. [https://my.visme.co/projects/6xo09mn7-anwr-drilling-undisclosed-scientific-concerns Leaked memos] from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other Department of the Interior agencies suggest that the BLM’s data is lacking and outdated and identify at least 20 major studies that should be conducted before giving oil and gas the green light.  
  
 
==<span id="Fact Sheets"></span>Fact Sheets==
 
==<span id="Fact Sheets"></span>Fact Sheets==
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/ERkTUCh56OFPg6iX65HV9mQBbdIfHS9MN0yoWk59ligDxg?e=SfdLkt H.R. 1146, Arctic Cultural & Coastal Plain Protection Act]
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EdHB9ohOExBFmqlRz0g0vc4BjjvFZ122yt5dzMDMITR6Qw?e=DVEF6G Support Restored Protections for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EbZd43gkGnlEkrouvh0cNCoBGFicg0FXrNeBy37o9Ojwng?e=YO95RD Rep. Cole Amendment to FY19 House Interior Appropriations Bill]
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EfQtMXxuQXxKtVC9UGeHHq4BtO1E-I2ALjLQ8BZmS0D5xA?e=lQ6m6F Arctic Refuge Leasing Program Broke Taxpayer Promise]
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EY3mLhf5hDZNhgpIZ3--774BNPi2tPVt9OgMgubo6CKuUg?e=2Pm3sf The Trump Administration's Attempt to Open the Refuge to Seismic Exploration]
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/ESR2QFXUEidHq94CAdMB2J4BLMgJv3CTL5gG5yv3GLx86A?e=3qGODY Harmful 3-D Seismic Exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EZgp78Jdd4FLuSWM00NqS4oBdsuTQ9uDVAPPB3ZYaH4J2A?e=unVH6R Leasing in the Coastal Plain]
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EQ4sGADXSIdLhGKPqdeEpEcBeL4cOMYOlwcDgihqnao3mA?e=o9CKNV Banks Reject Financing For Arctic Refuge Drilling]
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/Ea7CmEmWYvtErCiuK7sxlCkBp4j0bqYFUJspwZiLqA9_FA?e=xJ2jzC Potential Legislative Threats to the Arctic Refuge]
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EW1I_HKqP_9Di5fwXIZJ5D8Bq-xbz_dAZ4sj7bwHumb6Jw?e=bosfqh Oil and Gas Activities Threaten Arctic Refuge Polar Bears]
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/ESROOEtwV9JMorQekw_diN4BlQ6fMic-_ZKX9VjkGfqZ0g?e=Wh5w8p Alaska and Our Changing Climate]
  
 
==<span id="Congressional Letters"></span>Congressional Letters==  
 
==<span id="Congressional Letters"></span>Congressional Letters==  
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/sites/External/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=08695e7c9850f4f918a15fc598c049d82&authkey=AVoPBbZUOm88XupvYIneI2w&e=DI2PI4 Letter from Senate Democrats to Request Draft EIS Comment Period Extension], January 2019
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EboVvH9WeGxErz1yMU8kB2AB1Pj1PMZiX5EOSMNsXYA7nQ?e=2c6i0P Letter from House Natural Resources Committee to DOI Secretary Bernhardt Regarding the Arctic Refuge Leasing Program], December 2020
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/sites/External/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=07f46c30f890745409bebb0dca74f13b6&authkey=Aba73rUJ_4mhXVGWjpisg98&e=ZIXQLC Letter from the House Natural Resources Committee to the Bureau of Land Management Concerning Public Meetings During Government Shutdown], January 2019
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EYyTrpu6aw9Kq59bdQ9ASE4B9Ez7hF6MK3cxOuyrAsdqqw?e=PkUdJz Letter from Senate Democrats to Insurance Companies Asking them to Refuse Insuring for Oil Development in the Arctic Refuge], December 2020
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/ETfHObKg92RFjzPn3l9RI90BPijqjPfnnagU8yk6uQ3YVg?e=xdAdTU Letter from Senate Democrats Against Notice of Intent (NOI) for Arctic Refuge Leasing], June 2018
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EU_w30YnIExDnPKAP5DIxF4BsQ-NH6McoWUfIDFOSZg1Nw?e=YVpdW1 Letter from House Democrats to DOI Secretary Bernhardt Opposing Arctic Refuge Lease Sale and Seismic Exploration], December 2020
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EYg7A65_hT5Oo9GWfO5-ZIABzBuD38Y2v2vTVaEPIwVFfA?e=aIVyg5 Letter from House Democrats Against NOI for Arctic Refuge Leasing], June 2018
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/ETIQKiheStNPh26up9WOqcYB9lQR24JUtmHGuGOOW_K70w?e=R68f0A Letter from Senate Democrats to DOI Secretary Bernhardt Opposing Arctic Refuge Lease Sale and Seismic Exploration], December 2020
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EVOGLpQSCCBIhh0zF8nwUv0BiN88-GDvTxBPYSEkladcKw?e=g6cAxZ Letter from House Democrats to Banks Asking them to Refuse Financing for Oil Development in the Arctic Refuge], February 2020
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EcvFWiCeNY9Er9FaLtK11ZoB_0voYNA_Up4V7Ehy_ycXMw?e=McvcuA Letter from Senate Democrats to Banks Asking them to Refuse Financing for Oil Development in the Arctic Refuge], January 2020
  
 
==<span id="Public Letters"></span>Public Letters==  
 
==<span id="Public Letters"></span>Public Letters==  
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*[https://thelastoil.unm.edu/scholars-for-defending-the-arctic-refuge/ Letter from University Scholars to Secretary Zinke Opposing the Notice of Intent (NOI) for Arctic Refuge Leasing], June 2018
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EfjDtEO63qxLqnLUGbGF2ywBP1WtnX_T25EPUkYulT8nnA?e=GfBCJM Letter from Faith Leaders Opposing Development in the Arctic Refuge], January 2021
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EVLy-s0v7J1MqSTUyA1X5z4B05FNq_gdhjtzbfS9jf8C7w?e=quSUBE Letter from Guides & Outdoor Recreation Professionals Opposing NOI for Arctic Refuge Leasing], June 2018
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EaIabsLWqYFKojyo3Ew6vzoBAqJWqM9b0FoNgYaZl-WEXw?e=pRXA4b Letter from Conservation Alliance to President Biden], January 2021
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EQolNx4uuyhPtwhwZLSPgOsBqKwyAwQts2EqnSiaYwQNfg?e=e8wNyh Letter from Professional Athletes Opposing Development in the Arctic Refuge], June 2018
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EdCrPcu8db1FpbvoBV2pNYIBvZFbzdPhw9HJndFzd-pGRw?e=aehJp5 Letter from 300 Businesses Opposing Arctic Refuge Drilling], December 2020
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/ETgHy_CnDYtHiZqWTpFlZkUBHZ8KuROC4OJMylxsIyXqDw?e=Nlxkzo Letter from the Gwich'in Steering Committee to Insurance Companies], November 2020
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EZhRyDozNwxPvt_y_npdf88BmxDY0ibcT2Blo0ErvMeyWw?e=jJpdEr Letter from the Gwich'in Steering Committee to U.S. Banks], June 2020
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*[https://thelastoil.unm.edu/arctic-refuge-protectors-teachers-and-scholars-letter/ Letter from Scholars and Teachers to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Opposing the Draft EIS], March 2019
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EUQJ8AyiVvRLi0ZfjOVTK18Bw8D7TiREFw0CSFA8CLJXfw?e=ZJl021 Letter from Scientists to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Opposing the Draft EIS], March 2019
 
*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EZ802l2E4npDqm6G4OUPA0cBl8foJece3UsVc0Mv7HyPyQ?e=KBGvDC Letter from the Gwich'in Steering Committee Opposing Development in the Arctic Refuge], May 2018
 
*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EZ802l2E4npDqm6G4OUPA0cBl8foJece3UsVc0Mv7HyPyQ?e=KBGvDC Letter from the Gwich'in Steering Committee Opposing Development in the Arctic Refuge], May 2018
 
*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EVcackI4ySlBiPoaAEiwkMIBNBmS-VH3dqKUFNcqEJ7DXA?e=70cEWt Letter from Investors Worth $2.52 Trillion Opposing Development in the Arctic Refuge], May 2018
 
*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EVcackI4ySlBiPoaAEiwkMIBNBmS-VH3dqKUFNcqEJ7DXA?e=70cEWt Letter from Investors Worth $2.52 Trillion Opposing Development in the Arctic Refuge], May 2018
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==<span id="Maps"></span>Maps==  
 
==<span id="Maps"></span>Maps==  
 
*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/sites/External/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=0d94a253699684cdd968eb5d25f9ba906&authkey=AdInYn-wQhDvOAfNyw2y6Y8&e=oAsxLZ Arctic Refuge Map - National Geographic]
 
*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/sites/External/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=0d94a253699684cdd968eb5d25f9ba906&authkey=AdInYn-wQhDvOAfNyw2y6Y8&e=oAsxLZ Arctic Refuge Map - National Geographic]
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/Edp-L0fuUopJqckLT7HnUUEBj5W8KjNmQlOvOJGMVVRA_w?e=8QM1Qj ASRC Lands in the Arctic Refuge]
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/Edp-L0fuUopJqckLT7HnUUEBj5W8KjNmQlOvOJGMVVRA_w?e=8QM1Qj Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) Lands in the Arctic Refuge]
 
*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/Eb0MpHWFXxpKli6By6_lwG8BzWAQ_uWps_EMrqTnfrhe2g?e=WGSwIB Porcupine Caribou Herd Migration Route Map - Gwich'in Steering Committee]
 
*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/Eb0MpHWFXxpKli6By6_lwG8BzWAQ_uWps_EMrqTnfrhe2g?e=WGSwIB Porcupine Caribou Herd Migration Route Map - Gwich'in Steering Committee]
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/ESDqTAvi4LtOmc3R5Pc1l_IBlGH_2uSGMhIEyklCiJ_dwg?e=Fbe3sE Oil & Gas Leasing in the North Slope]
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:i:/s/External/EXylF_VNghpKhz-Pp4mzOgUBw1cHOTwtEJOQiu8cBQR7mw?e=hMMRsj Oil and Gas Leasing Along Alaska's North Slope]
 
*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/Ec3oV9_ga2VImUcZiCE1KcgBpvddC6s1NtNWwLHNtyarag?e=Wk6MVX Arctic Values Map]
 
*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/Ec3oV9_ga2VImUcZiCE1KcgBpvddC6s1NtNWwLHNtyarag?e=Wk6MVX Arctic Values Map]
 
*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EYY3nR2DoQtAmx2V_qnpuXoBM0vTxiJr8fU4YtkzHjaTyw?e=hMOYrV Bird Migration Map]
 
*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EYY3nR2DoQtAmx2V_qnpuXoBM0vTxiJr8fU4YtkzHjaTyw?e=hMOYrV Bird Migration Map]
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==<span id="Research & Reports"></span>Research & Reports==  
 
==<span id="Research & Reports"></span>Research & Reports==  
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*[https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/reports/2018/08/27/455150/the-favor-factory/ The Favor Factory - Center for American Progress], August 2018
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*[https://www.taxpayer.net/energy-natural-resources/oil-gas-lease-sale-in-the-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge/ Oil & Gas Lease Sale in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - Taxpayers for Common Sense], January 2021
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*[https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/reports/2018/08/09/454309/powerful-arctic-oil-lobby-group-youve-never-heard/ The Most Powerful Arctic Lobby Group You've Never Heard Of - Center for American Progress], August 2018
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EXcUoDJvOrxDkidIVzlQ0mwBWsqlaQDc0pOVaykgVkgiag?e=krCQcO Arctic Refuge Lease Sale Analysis - Center for American Progress], January 2021
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*[http://climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications/americans-oppose-drilling-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge/ Americans Oppose Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - Yale Climate Connections], December 2017
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*[https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2020/09/15/490352/blocking-access-scarce-water-supply-can-stop-oil-companies-drilling-arctic-refuge/ Blocking Access to Scarce Water Supply Can Stop Oil Companies From Drilling the Arctic Refuge - Center for American Progress], September 2020
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/EbKZUpG0enROo4oEbxXPhrYBxOCVaL1NLLlBbLGOkhms4A?e=8juIFW Oil Production in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Impacts on Deficit and National Energy Security], November 2017
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*[https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2019/11/20/477495/trumps-energy-policies-put-alaska-climate-crosshairs/ Trump’s Energy Policies Put Alaska in the Climate Crosshairs - Center for American Progress], November 2019
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*[https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2017/10/10/440559/arctic-national-wildlife-refuge-101/ Arctic National Wildlife Refuge 101], October 2017
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*[https://www.taxpayer.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/TCS_Report_Taxpayers_Lose_on_Arctic_Drilling_August_2019.pdf Taxpayers Lose on Arctic Drilling: Big Revenue Promises Don't Add Up - Taxpayers for Common Sense], August 2019
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*[https://alaskawildernessleague.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/External/ETm1vq2B1xNHlVjv5g-CTgEBF7d1oqb9B4vLvyuqeh18hQ?e=EyFsch/ The Energy and Climate Impacts of Oil Drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge - Symons Public Affairs], July 2019
 +
*[https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2019/06/26/471433/trump-administration-suppressing-science-public-opinion-drill-arctic-refuge/ Trump Administration Is Suppressing Science and Public Opinion to Drill the Arctic Refuge - Center for American Progress], June 2019
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*[https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2019/01/10/464819/interior-department-cutting-corners-ignoring-science-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge/ Interior Department Is Cutting Corners and Ignoring Science in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - Center for American Progress], January 2019
  
 
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Latest revision as of 11:34, 3 August 2021

Arctic refuge rainbow shrunk.jpg
KEY FACTS
  • Size: 19.6 million acres, roughly the size of South Carolina. The 1.6 million acre coastal plain is considered its ‘biological heart’.
  • Protection History: Established by President Eisenhower in 1960 with bipartisan support as the Arctic Wildlife Range, with the purpose of protecting an entire ecosystem. It was expanded in 1980 under President Carter through the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act (ANILCA) to create the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Most Recent Protection: In 2019, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1146 which would repeal the mandate in the 2017 Tax Act to lease the coastal plain for oil and gas development. On day one, President Biden announced a temporary moratorium on all leasing activities in the Arctic Refuge.
  • Tax Reform Fallout: In December 2017, as a component of its tax reform bill, Congress opened the Arctic Refuge to oil and gas leasing and development by mandating two lease sales.
  • Oil and Gas Development Threats: In January 2021, the Trump administration held the first ever Arctic Refuge lease sale. 3D seismic exploration on the coastal plain remains an imminent threat as well.
  • A Failed Lease Sale: The January 2021 lease sale failed to raise even 1% of promised revenues and received little industry interest. Only 9 of 32 available tracts were awarded, with two companies each receiving 1 tract, and the rest being awarded to the state of Alaska.
  • Climate Change: Rising Arctic temperatures are leading to melting permafrost, receding sea ice, coastal erosion, changes in vegetation growth patterns, altered caribou migration routes, increased forest fires, shrinking lakes, and more.
  • Wildlife: The Arctic Refuge is home to polar bears, 200 species of migratory birds, arctic foxes, black & brown bears, Dall sheep, moose, musk oxen, caribou, wolves, wolverines, and more.
  • Significance to Alaska Natives: The Gwich’in people call the coastal plain “The Sacred Place Where Life Begins.” Protecting the Porcupine caribou herd that calves each summer on the coastal plain is a matter of basic human rights for the Gwich’in.

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is America’s largest wildlife refuge, comprising 19.6 million acres of one of the wildest corners left in North America. Its biological heart – the 1.6 million acre coastal plain – is home to countless species of birds and numerous land mammals, like caribou, musk oxen and polar bears. The place holds special meaning to the Gwich’in people, who today rely on caribou for their sustenance, as they have for thousands of years. For many adventurers, a visit to the Arctic Refuge is the wilderness experience of a lifetime. It is no wonder that the Arctic Refuge earned protections in 1960 shortly after Alaska became a state, which remained in place until December of 2017. Now for the first time in decades, the coastal plain faces the threat of oil and gas development, which would forever change this landscape.

As the tax reform debate came to a close in 2017, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski slipped two pages of drilling text into the final bill, undermining decades of thoughtful management and protections. The Trump administration held the first ever oil and gas lease sale on January 6th, 2020 in attempt to secure drilling rights before the incoming Biden administration. This lease sale was an enormous financial failure raising less than 1% of promised revenues, with the majority of the bids coming from a state-owned entity. On day one, the Biden administration issued a temporary moratorium on all leasing activities in the Arctic Refuge. However, legislation is still needed to repeal the Tax Act mandate and restore lasting protections to the coastal plain. Please see below for relevant legislation, talking points, fact sheets and more on what we're doing to defend the Arctic Refuge.

Fact Sheets | Congressional Letters | Public Letters | Maps | Research & Reports


Recent Legislative Activity

  • H.R. 1 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (115th Congress)
    • The overhaul of the American tax code came with a provision that mandated two oil and gas lease sales in the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge.
    • This provision claimed that these lease sales would raise a total of $1 billion in revenue for the Federal Treasury


Talking Points

  • The Arctic Refuge is one of our nation’s most majestic public lands, home to the Porcupine Caribou Herd, denning polar bears, musk oxen, wolves, and nearly 200 species of migratory birds. Its biological heart, the coastal plain, is no place for oil and gas development.
  • Indigenous voices in particular are being ignored. The Gwich’in people have worked to protect the Coastal Plain for generations because it is the calving and nursery grounds for the Porcupine Caribou Herd. The Gwich’in Nation strongly oppose this dangerous rush to drill, which threatens to alter caribou migration and population, risking the Gwich’in way of life. Protecting the caribou is a matter of basic human rights.
  • Arctic oil will exacerbate the climate crisis. Burning Arctic Refuge oil threatens to release 4.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere, according to the BLM estimate that there are 10 billion barrels of extractable oil in the coastal plain. This is equivalent to the annual emissions from more than 1,100 coal-fired power plants and would contribute significantly to the climate crisis. Just the process of extracting oil and gas from the coastal plain alone would create an additional 26 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions throughout the lifetime of the program according to BLM.
  • Drilling in the Arctic Refuge is widely opposed by the American people. According to public opinion research commissioned by the Center for American Progress, two thirds of Americans oppose drilling in the Arctic Refuge, with a majority (52%) “strongly opposed.” And according to recent public polling done by Yale Climate Connections, a large majority of American voters (70%) oppose drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Those strongly opposed outnumber those who strongly support the policy by more than 4 to 1.
  • The lease sale resulted in abysmal revenues for the federal taxpayer: of the $12.1 million total, the federal government only receives 50%, or a mere $6 million. That’s 0.67% of what was promised by proponents ($6.06 million vs. $900 million). These revenues show there is no serious interest in development and the leasing program was established on a lie. Protecting these lands for tribes, communities, and the American public, however, is priceless, and the miniscule lease revenue shows that the Arctic Refuge Leasing Program is also horrendous economic policy.
  • Banks have adopted policies that would preclude them from financing drilling in the Arctic Refuge. Financial institutions understand drilling in the Arctic Refuge would be a toxic investment and too big of a financial risk to take. All six major U.S. banks (Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo), along with over a dozen international banks, have rejected financing for drilling in the Arctic Refuge. Congressional leaders have written letters to the remaining major U.S. banks urging them to take this stance as well.
  • The Trump administration cut corners to expedite oil and gas development. Interior’s rushed process to lease the coastal plain in place of a measured, science-driven effort that provides for robust public input is a disservice to the American people. Leaked memos from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other Department of the Interior agencies suggest that the BLM’s data is lacking and outdated and identify at least 20 major studies that should be conducted before giving oil and gas the green light.

Fact Sheets

Congressional Letters

Public Letters

Maps

Research & Reports


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