Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan have criticized the Department of the Interior's recent announcement regarding the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska. The Department released a final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) which seeks to restrict leasing and development on the Coastal Plain, diverging from the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

Senator Murkowski stated, "What DOI has released ignores and makes a mockery of federal law and congressional intent for the Coastal Plain." She emphasized that the Department is responsible for managing an oil and gas program intended to benefit residents of Alaska's North Slope and beyond. Murkowski accused the DOI of disregarding legal obligations and failing to consider local communities' perspectives.

Senator Sullivan echoed these concerns, asserting that "the Biden-Harris administration is violating the law, ignoring Alaskans, particularly our indigenous communities." He accused President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris of undermining American energy by not implementing the ANWR oil and gas leasing program as mandated by Congress. Sullivan highlighted actions taken by this administration, such as suspending leases issued during Trump's presidency, as contrary to federal law.

The Bureau of Land Management’s preferred alternative within its SEIS proposes placing 74 percent of the Coastal Plain off-limits to leasing. This includes 1,163,500 acres that would be restricted from development. Additionally, seismic testing would be limited to 400,000 leasable acres. Critics point out that BLM did not sufficiently consult with local leaders or Alaska Native representatives.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in 2017 established an oil and gas program for ANWR's Coastal Plain, requiring lease sales by December 2024. However, according to critics like Murkowski and Sullivan, current administrative actions have paused this program unlawfully.

Critics also note that while domestic restrictions increase, international sanctions have been relaxed under Biden's administration for countries like Iran and Venezuela.