...and stay engaged during this critical period. |
We know you've been seeing and hearing a lot about the proposed ConocoPhillips Willow project, and we know you're ready to take action to stop this massively destructive proposal. In today's newsletter, we're offering quick links to get involved.
Meanwhile, our other programs are also busy. This afternoon is our second event in our annual Northern Voices Speaker Series, and a comment period has opened on the Manh Choh mining project. Read on for more information about several actions you can take today. |
Send your message today: Stop Willow. |
Photos by Emily Sullivan, 2022.
We are currently in a 30 day review period ending in early March for the Willow project following the release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement. It is essential that we make our voices heard right now, and there are several quick and easy ways to do so.
You can send a letter urging "No Action" on the Willow project directly to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Senator Lisa Murkowski, House Rep. Mary Peltola, and President Joe Biden by clicking here.
To sign on to another letter directly to President Biden and Secretary Haaland, click here. This link also provides information on how to call the White House and record a message, some examples of what to share about this issue on social media to help #StopWillow, and additional information about the project.
The Northern Center opposes any new oil and gas development on federal lands, and stands strongly against the ConocoPhillips Willow project. |
Today at 4 PM: Northern Voices Speaker Series |
This afternoon, February 16 at 4:00 PM, join us for our second virtual Northern Voices Speaker Series focused on renewable energy in Alaska.
Colleen Fisk, Energy Education Director at the Renewable Energy Alaska Project, will talk about the current energy landscape of Alaska. She will discuss the types and sources of energy used in different areas, energy efficiency and renewables, and some upcoming projects to look out for.
To register for this virtual event, go to bit.ly/NVSSfeb, or simply join us on Zoom at 4:00 by clicking here. While this event is free, we encourage you to make a donation to support our educational programming if you have the means to do so. |
Manh Choh mining project comment period |
From now until March 13, you can submit your comments about the Manh Choh mining project. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has opened a comment period specifically regarding the reclamation plan and the Department of Environmental Conservation's pending approval of the waste management and disposal permit. Advocates for Safe Alaska Highways (ASAH) states the following about this comment period:
"We encourage interested persons to review this material and submit comments. ASAH has concerns that an Environmental Impact Statement has not been done for areas outside of the immediate Manh Choh mine site (e.g. the 250-mile public highway corridor between Tetlin and Ft Knox) on issues such as: - potentially acid-generating (PAG) and metal leaching (ML) from the high-sulfide ore dust and rock that will come off of the trucks during transit to Ft. Knox (>70 mph winds common along the proposed trucking route will likely limit the effectiveness of any ore truck tarping system), or at a break-down yard in North Pole or Fox,
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toxic elements included in that dust and rock (arsenic, lead, cadmium, etc) that could get into waterways along the route,
- provisions for cleaning up a spill of mine ore along the corridor should a trucking accident occur, and
- the claim that the mine life will be 4.5 years when it is clear that this is a minimum estimate."
You can read more from ASAH on this issue here.
We similarly encourage Northern Center members to review the materials and make comments, and we will be providing additional details in the weeks to come. |
The 2023 PFD application is now open, and closes March 31, 2023. The Northern Center is participating in Pick.Click.Give. and you can select our organization to receive a portion of your PFD.
We recognize that the Permanent Fund is complex. On one hand, the PFD is a rare example of universal income which helps many people meet their basic needs. On the other hand, it is founded on climate chaos and helps to perpetuate reliance on harmful extractive industries. If you can afford to reallocate part or all of your PFD, we hope you will consider giving to environmental groups that are working toward a just future for all of us. Have you chosen the Northern Center as a recipient for Pick.Click.Give. this year or in the past? We'd love to hear from you. Email christin@northern.org to share your story. |
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| February 28-March 3: One Health, One Future
UAF Center for One Health Research is hosting an international conference with the theme "Voices of One Health: Embracing Change and Transformation." If you are interested in volunteering for this event, click here. |
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| March 29-31: The Arctic Encounter Symposium 2023
As the largest Arctic policy and business conference in the United States, with partners and convenings worldwide, the Arctic Encounter continues to gather leading voices from around the world. The Arctic Encounter Symposium is eager to welcome participants to Alaska for a world-class arts and cultural experience, including dialogue and presentations with elected and international leaders, business executives, Indigenous peoples, scientists, students, defense leaders, diplomats, policymakers, and more.
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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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