…ask legislators to vote NO on the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act |
Last week, news broke about the Ambler Road permit being denied and BLM's updated protections for the Western Arctic, in addition to the Kobuk River being named as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024. Needless to say, it was a busy week filled with excitement. There is still work to be done, but this is a step in the right direction. Thank you for being here with us and take some time to read more about these updates.
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AMBLER ROAD: NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE |
Last week, the Biden administration formally acknowledged that the best path forward for the Brooks Range does not include the Ambler Road.
More than 135,000 Americans spoke up, including dozens of communities, nonprofits, and companies. Nearly 83% of testimony in Alaska opposed the project, and 88 individual Indigenous governments across the region advocated for this decision.
“The Bureau of Land Management has made the only reasonable decision by endorsing the No Action Alternative in the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. Preventing development of the proposed Ambler Road—a necessity for Arctic climate resilience—will protect the intact lands, waters, fish, and wildlife that communities throughout the Brooks Range depend on,” said Katie McClellan, mining impacts and energy program manager at Northern Center. “The Biden administration must continue listening to the local Indigenous knowledge, scientific data, and long-standing widespread public opposition as they prioritize the physical health and cultural well-being of communities in northwest Alaska. We look forward to the Record of Decision affirming the No Action Alternative and the revocation of all permits from the BLM and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to end this speculative and harmful project for good.”
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H.R. 2925, the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act |
ACT NOW: Next week, the House will be voting on H.R. 2925, the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act. This bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Mary Peltola, is a giveaway of federal public lands to industry, and allows mining companies to stake claims without any evidence of valuable minerals. It is a major step backwards from the already outdated General Mining Law of 1872 that governs mineral extraction on federal lands.
Please reach out to Rep. Peltola and other members of the House and tell them to vote NO on this bill. Instead, they should support H.R. 3495, the Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act, which would modernize and institute much needed regulations to protect communities and the environment, while also pushing for fairer returns on minerals extracted from public lands. To read more about these two bills, you can visit our blog post from last year, or read this briefing from Earthjustice.
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BLM updates protections for Western Arctic |
Caribou swim near Nuiqsut and the Colville River in 2018. Photo: Keri Oberly |
After more than four decades, the Bureau of Land Management is finally updating its protections for the Western Arctic.
Management plans for this area, officially called National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska by the federal government, have often prioritized oil and gas interests. Now, the Biden administration is recognizing the federal government’s mandate to protect the Reserve with a revised framework for management. What does this update do? -
Extends rigorous protections for more than 13 million acres in the region’s five Special Areas, which are essential to safeguarding the environment and the sovereignty of Arctic communities.
- Prevents new leases in 10.6 million acres of the Special Areas, though existing leases will not be revoked.
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Includes a provision for updating and potentially designating new Special Areas at least once every ten years. This is a crucial step toward ensuring the Alaska Native communities who know and live on these lands and waters have the opportunity to guide future decision-making.
But there is still work to be done.
During the BLM public comment period, the Iñupiat group Grandmothers Growing Goodness, highlighted additional ways to prioritize and protect Indigenous rights. The recent rule change says the BLM will seek co-stewardship opportunities in Special Areas and of subsistence resources, and clarifies directives to incorporate Indigenous knowledge in decision making. The Biden administration is making important changes to protect the Arctic and move toward more equitable management practices, though the burden to identify problems will still fall largely on Alaska Native communities.
Oil has been a significant part of the state’s economy for decades, but has come at a huge cost for Alaskans and the environment. Working with our allies in communities and organizations around Alaska, the Northern Center will keep striving toward more extensive protections for these rapidly changing Arctic ecosystems. Read more about the Special Areas, and our full statement here. |
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Comment on draft ore haul plan |
The Steese Highway, photographed on April 23, 2024 by Darla Theisen. |
ACT NOW: After months of delays, public meetings will finally be held at Tok Senior Center on April 30, Fairbanks Carlson Center on May 1, & Delta Junction Community Center on May 2, between 5:30 and 8 p.m. for the public to hear about and comment on the Alaska/Richard/Steese Highway Draft Corridor Action Plan. This plan was commissioned two years ago to placate strong opposition to the Manh Choh ore haul proposal.
The ore haul trucks have been operating since November 2023, creating hazardous situations including spinning out on snowy hills, tearing up pavement at an unprecedented rate, and jettisoning toxic ore through holes in insufficient covers.
There is much to be said about this plan that has arrived well past its effective due date.
The Draft Plan can be found here and includes instructions for commenting. Online comments will be received now through May 17.
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Kobuk River receives recognition |
The Kobuk River has been listed as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024 by American Rivers.
The Kobuk River Watershed’s land, fish, and wildlife are as clean and healthy as can be found in the modern world and being included on this year’s report is crucial to its fate.
The construction of the proposed Ambler Road, and its associated mining development, would cause irreparable harm to the Kobuk River and the Indigenous communities who depend on it for clean water, and physical and cultural sustenance. Northern Center is grateful to American Rivers for bringing more much-needed attention to this issue, and we will continue supporting grassroots groups and Indigenous leaders in their fight to protect the northwest Arctic from the Ambler Road! |
Comments on USAF radar proposal close May 3 |
The U.S. Air Force has extended the deadline to comment on their new radar sites and supporting infrastructure proposal until May 3. One site in particular, Dry Creek, is problematic as it would create access to the heart of the Macomb Caribou Herd's calving range, an area that is currently roadless.
A copy of the the draft proposal can be found on the Eielson Airforce Base website under the tab: “ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF AIR FORCE TRAINING RADAR SITES IN INTERIOR ALASKA.” Comments can be submitted to Eielson Air Force Base Public Affairs Office at: 354FW.PA.PUBLICAFFAIRS@US.AF.MIL
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Support needed to fight the Donlin Gold Mine |
Rep. Mary Peltola and Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan recently joined an amicus brief in support of the Donlin Gold Mine project along the Kuskokwim River. Tribes across the region oppose the mine due to its threats to the river’s water quality, fish habitat, and impacts to salmon.
Please call or email Peltola, Murkowski, and Sullivan’s offices to let them know they should be standing with the people of the region to protect their food resources and traditional ways of life, not working against them by supporting development of the world’s largest open-pit gold mine.
You can find each office’s phone contacts here or send an email through Peltola, Murkowski, and Sullivan’s respective contact forms on their websites.
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Run for the Refuge is going virtual this year, discounted tickets available through April 27 |
Photo: Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, https://www.flickr.com/photos/bering_land_bridge/32011996868/ |
Join us virtually July 12-14 to celebrate the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge during the 28th annual Run for the Refuge.
This event is a cherished tradition for us, and it was a tough decision to only hold the event virtually this year, but one we made as we re-focus on partnerships. We want to uphold the spirit of this event and keep working to make it more accessible. There are so many wonderful ways to be outdoors, and we hope you’ll get inspired to hit the trail, hop on your bike, launch your kayak, or set off on your favorite people-powered adventure.
To make the biggest impact and show of support for the Arctic Refuge, we’d love your help spreading the word far and wide. Sign up early and join our Facebook Event Page to discuss routes and get inspired! All participants will receive a printable bib, and we hope you’ll share your adventures with #RunForTheRefuge, tagging @NorthernCenter on social media.
To celebrate Earth Day, click here to get your discounted tickets this week for just $10. After April 27, tickets will cost $20. All proceeds support Northern Center’s Arctic Program, and check back in June to order T-shirts sporting art by Danielle Stickman, our 2024 Featured Artist. |
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ADC is hiring a Campaign Director |
This position with the Arctic Defense Campaign will lead collaborative work to defend the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Western Arctic (National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska) from destructive oil and gas development.
The Director must have a desire to authentically engage a diverse group of partners and Indigenous allies. Location: Washington, DC (preferred) Salary: $115,000 - $125,000 (annual), plus benefits.
To learn more and apply, click here. |
| From Alaska Conservation Foundation: |
We are accepting grant applications for the Martha Levensaler Leadership Fund. The deadline for applications is April 30. This fund was created to honor Martha’s legacy and to benefit the people who are involved in improving conservation efforts in Alaska. To accomplish this, the Fund will provide funds for training, skill building, and organization development. Learn about eligibility and apply here. |
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Fairbanks News and Opportunities |
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MISSION The Northern Alaska Environmental Center promotes conservation of the environment and sustainable resource stewardship in Interior and Arctic Alaska through education and advocacy. |
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