Northern Alaska is currently facing two intersecting threats: the loss of federal priority subsistence protections and the overturning of public lands to the state without due public process. This is an unprecedented move from Alaska’s congressional delegation and is being emboldened by the Trump administration’s continued attacks on public lands across the nation.
In June, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced plans to revoke protections for the Western Arctic’s National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, once again prioritizing oil and gas industry interests. Now, the Trump administration’s decision to rescind new safeguards for the Reserve’s Special Areas could have devastating impacts.
The House of Representatives is voting on Rep. Nick Begich’s resolution TOMORROW (Tuesday, July 22, 2025). It is critically important that we let members know that we do not support the revocation of federal protections on these lands in the Central Yukon region.
Catch up on past and present environmental updates from our E-Newsletters in this archive, dating back to 2022.
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas 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.
Here at the Northern Alaska Environmental Center, we do our best to provide you with factual, peer-reviewed, and scientifically-supported information. And right now, the fact is the Senate’s proposed budget reconciliation bill is socially unconscionable and environmentally disastrous.
Our annual event supporting Arctic advocacy, Run for the Refuge, is just around the corner! As this event approaches thirty years, we are eager to know more about its original supporters—what is it about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge that continues to draw you in and what stories do you have?
Thank you to everyone who contacted their representatives, House leadership, and House Natural Resources Committee members. The unwavering efforts of Indigenous leadership and the Defend Brooks Range/No Ambler Road campaign have shown time and time again that Alaskans (and Americans at large) do NOT want the Ambler Road.
For her piece for the Northern Center, Tehya was eager to incorporate printmaking, using designs similar to quilting. It’s through her use of screen printing and bold colors that Tehya’s artwork becomes energized, layered, and three dimensional. It helps remind us that nature is constantly providing a necessary heartbeat that guides our rhythms here in the North.
The House Natural Resources Committee recently included language in the budget reconciliation bill that would force approval of the Ambler Road. Tribes, Defend Brooks Range Coalition, and allies have tirelessly advocated for the protection of this incredible region, achieving the “No Action Alternative” selected by the Department of the Interior in 2024.