Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with Representative Mary Sattler Peltola, have expressed strong disapproval of recent decisions by President Biden's administration that they believe will hinder resource development in Alaska. These decisions include the Department of the Interior's (DOI) release of a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Ambler Access Project (AAP), opting for a "no action" alternative that denies re-approval of the project. This project was initially approved in 2020 to provide access to significant mineral deposits in the Ambler Mining District.

Additionally, DOI finalized its "Proposed Rule for Management and Protection of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A)," which restricts leasing and infrastructure development on millions of acres within the reserve. This decision is viewed as contrary to federal law mandating an expeditious program of leasing and development.

Senator Murkowski criticized these actions as detrimental to Alaska’s future, stating, “The Biden administration may be focused on short-term political gains, but at the expense of Alaska’s long-term future." She added that these decisions harm Alaskans while benefiting regimes like Iran and Russia.

Senator Sullivan also voiced his concerns: “The Biden administration sanctions Alaskans, while terrorists in Iran and communists in China get off scot-free.” He accused the administration of implementing policies that undermine American strengths while aiding adversaries.

Representative Peltola emphasized that closing off NPR-A is a setback for Alaska, failing to balance oil needs with environmental concerns. She stated, “The Ambler Road decision is premature,” noting ongoing discussions among regional stakeholders.

Background information highlights that Congress designated NPR-A for oil and gas development in 1923. The current rule proposal by DOI would significantly limit access within this area by treating large portions as federal wilderness. Despite these restrictions on Alaskan resources, critics note that sanctions have been relaxed on countries like Iran and Venezuela.

Indigenous leaders from Alaska’s North Slope have publicly condemned these decisions, expressing their outrage at what they perceive as disregard for their input during this process.