Yukon Flats from above. Photo by Emily Hikes
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas (DO&G) is considering a new oil and gas exploration proposal in the Yukon Flats, in addition to asking for more oil exploration proposals. The initial public comment period is open until July 30.
This is the first step in the process, and it’s important. After this initial public comment period, DO&G will decide whether or not to move forward with the exploratory license. If they do proceed, there’ll be more information about the specific lands and the company involved, and another opportunity for public comment.
Tanana Chiefs Conference has a standing resolution opposing oil and gas in the Yukon Flats—both the ongoing Hilcorp-Doyon operation and any new development. You can read more from Chief Rhonda Pitka, Chief David Kriska and Second Chief Michael Peter in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner from earlier this spring.
We need your help to tell the DO&G just how special the Yukon Flats are, and how irresponsible it would be to allow this proposed oil and gas development. Tell DO&G that the Yukon Flats are not for sale and that:
- Industrial oil activity in the Yukon Flats would threaten moose, migratory birds, and the rights of Indigenous communities to clean waters, and access to traditional hunting, berry gathering, and fishing.
- Allowing oil development would be a new danger to subsistence fish populations—including sheefish, white fish, and salmon—whose population decline in the Yukon River is such a crisis that the state has closed subsistence salmon fishing access for seven years.
- The forests, wetlands, and waterways of the Yukon Flats support incredible biodiversity and represent some of the most intact ecosystems of Interior Alaska.
You can submit comments via email at dog.bif@alaska.gov, or via mail at:
Best Interest Findings
500 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1100, Anchorage, AK 99501
*Please clearly mark submittal(s) as “Comment on Exploration in the Yukon Flats Solicitation Area”, or “Agency Information on Exploration within the Yukon Flats Solicitation Area”.
