Deb Haaland Secretary at U.S. Department of Interior | Official website
On April 19, 2024, the Department of the Interior made crucial decisions to safeguard millions of acres in Alaska, aiming to protect the subsistence economy vital to Alaska Native people and rural communities, preserve essential fish and wildlife habitats, and strike a balance with extractive activities on public lands.
Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the administration's dedication to finding a balance between conservation and development, stating, “Today’s announcements underscore our commitment to ensure that places too special to develop remain intact for the communities and species that rely on them.”
Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, John Podesta, highlighted the significance of the recent actions, noting, “Today’s historic actions to protect lands and waters in the western Arctic will ensure continued subsistence use by Alaska Native communities while conserving these special places for future generations.”
One of the key actions taken was the finalization of the Management and Protection of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A) rule by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This rule aims to ensure the protection of significant resource values in the western Arctic while supporting subsistence uses for Alaska Native communities. Furthermore, the BLM will be seeking public input on potential additions or expansions to existing Special Areas within the NPR-A.
Additionally, the BLM released its final supplemental environmental analysis for the Ambler Road project, determining that the “No Action” alternative is preferred, which would prevent the construction of the road across BLM-managed public lands. This decision was made to mitigate irreversible impacts on vital resources, including those crucial for subsistence uses.
The actions by the Biden-Harris administration come after extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including Alaska Native Tribes, corporations, communities, conservation organizations, and industry experts.
These steps align with the administration's commitment to conservation and sustainable development, aiming to protect the unique landscapes and resources of Alaska for current and future generations.
