📷 Caribou | USFWS
In a momentous decision yesterday, the Biden administration announced the cancellation of the last remaining oil and gas leases on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Arctic Refuge). The announcement marked a significant victory for wildlife, the environment, and the Indigenous People who have tirelessly advocated for the conservation of this irreplaceable ecosystem.
The Arctic Refuge, located in northeastern Alaska, is an ecological treasure home to diverse and unique wildlife, including muskoxen, caribou, and countless species of migratory birds. It has long been considered one of the last remaining untouched wilderness regions in the United States. The coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge is famed for its denning polar bears and as the birthing grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd. By protecting the Arctic Refuge from oil and gas development, we ensure that this iconic and fragile ecosystem remains a safe haven for wildlife and a natural wonder for generations to come.
