The
Department of the Interior is trying to open the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to energy development, according to The Washington Post and The New York Times.
The
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been instructed to update a rule in order to allow testing in the refuge, commonly known as ANWR, according to a memo published by both news outlets. If the proposal becomes final, energy companies will be able to be able to explore for oil and gas although the final authority on whether development occurs lies with Congress.
Alaska Native corporations stand to benefit from development. The
Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
owns subsurface rights and the
Kaktovik
Iñupiat Corporation owns surface rights to land within ANWR where
development could occur. Native residents anticipate jobs, revenues and economic
growth if Congress takes action.
But while
Republican
supporters of drilling have repeatedly cited benefits for the Native community, few
have tried to authorize development solely on their lands, which are held
in fee status rather than in trust. Instead they have focused on drilling in a larger
portion of
ANWR's North
Slope, also known as the
1002
Area.
A map of Alaska North's
Slope shows the "1002 Area" of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge where oil
development could occur. Native owned lands are shaded orange. Image: U.S.
Geological Survey
When their legislative vehicles fail, Republicans typically blame environmentalists and Democrats but some also have lashed out at the
Gwich'in Steering Committee.
The
Gwich'in
people oppose development out of fear it will
destroy the caribou
herds in ANWR that they depend on for subsistence. Some Gwich'in villages
are located within the refuge while others are across the boundaries.
The Trump administration memo does not give a timeline for action on the proposed rule. It does not appear to have been included in
Interior's semi-annual regulatory agenda.
The push to open ANWR development comes as little surprise. In May,
President
Donald Trump proposed a budget that anticipated revenues from future oil and gas drilling.
"We're working with the tribes and the Native Alaskans that also depend largely on energy for their funding,"
Secretary Ryan Zinke said during a
conference
call with reporters at the time.
Read More on the Story:
Trump administration working toward renewed drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
(The Washington Post September 15, 2017)
Trump Administration Moves to Open Arctic Refuge to Drilling Studies
(The New York Times September 16, 2017)
Related Stories
Secretary
Zinke plans to work with tribes on drilling push in Alaska (May 25,
2017)
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