BLM moves forward with industry-proposed Western Arctic rule

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA — The Bureau of Land Management is swiftly moving forward with an industry-requested proposal that would clear the way for approval of large oil and gas projects in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, potentially allowing future projects on the scale of the controversial Willow project to advance without environmental review or public involvement currently required for major Arctic drilling projects.

The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has concluded its review of the proposed National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Production Site Development Rule, clearing the way for the rulemaking process to proceed.

The proposed regulations closely resemble the rule requested by the Alaska Oil and Gas Association that would constrain BLM’s ability to reject development proposals. The proposal would spell the end of environmental and public review of drilling projects in the federal reserve.

The Wilderness Society issued the following statement from Alaska Senior Manager Matt Jackson:

“The Western Arctic sustains wildlife, clean water and ways of life that have endured for generations. This rule rigs our system for fossil fuel interests by requiring BLM to approve massive oil projects while eliminating the public’s freedom to say ‘No’ to unwanted developments on these shared lands. No company should get a blank check to develop the Western Arctic. We should be protecting what makes these lands so valuable and ensuring they remain healthy and intact for future generations.”

BLM will accept public comments on the proposal for 60 days and hold three virtual public meetings, where the public can provide verbal comments:

• September 22, 5–8 p.m. Alaska time
• September 23, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Alaska time
• September 24, 1–4 p.m. Alaska time

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About The Wilderness Society

The Wilderness Society is a national conservation organization dedicated to protecting America’s wild places since 1935. Through science, advocacy and partnerships with communities and policymakers, we champion the protection of wilderness, national monuments, forests, and other public lands that provide clean air and water, wildlife habitat and the freedom to connect with nature. For more information, visit www.wilderness.org.