Yesterday, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), who serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, spoke on the Senate floor to advocate for protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Heinrich urged fellow senators to vote against a Congressional Review Act resolution that would overturn the current management plan for the refuge.
Heinrich began his remarks by emphasizing the significance of the area: "Simply put, the Arctic Refuge is the crown jewel of the American national wildlife refuge system, and it has been ever since it was set aside in 1960 by President Eisenhower to protect its wildlife and habitat values," he said. He highlighted that beyond its environmental value, the refuge holds cultural importance for Indigenous peoples who have lived there for thousands of years.
The senator criticized recent efforts from both Congress and the Trump administration that seek to open up parts of the refuge for oil and gas development. Heinrich stated, "The Arctic Refuge is under threat from the Trump Administration’s relentless attacks on public lands – attacks that put so-called 'energy dominance' above every other use. Every other value." He argued that instead of focusing on issues like rising electricity and health care costs, lawmakers are debating drilling in a vital ecological area.
During his speech, Heinrich described firsthand experiences visiting the refuge, observing its wildlife and natural features. He noted that over 200 bird species live in this landscape, alongside animals such as caribou and polar bears.
Heinrich recounted how Congress historically protected these lands from industrial development across party lines until a policy shift in 2017 allowed drilling. He questioned claims about potential economic benefits from opening up drilling in this remote region, pointing out challenges including high costs and lack of infrastructure. "It's costly in time. Seasons are short. Days can be even shorter. There's not a lot of time to break new ground," he said.
Referencing financial decisions by major banks in recent years not to support drilling projects in the area due to cost concerns and environmental risks, Heinrich asserted that further development would not lower fuel prices or address energy needs efficiently.
"The bottom line is that the Arctic Refuge is too unique, too globally important to develop," he concluded. "It's a wildlife refuge for a reason."
Heinrich called on his colleagues to oppose overturning protections for what he termed one of America’s last untouched landscapes.
