Conservation moves not enough to blunt impact of Willow

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (March 12, 2023) – The New York Times today reported that the Biden administration will soon announce a sweeping series of new conservation measures in Alaska, while a final decision on ConocoPhillips’ massive Willow oil and gas project in the Western Arctic is still pending.

In response to the breaking news, The Wilderness Society released the following statement from Alaska Senior Regional Director Karlin Itchoak:

“These conservation decisions by the Biden administration are positive steps, but not nearly sufficient to blunt the impact of any version of the Willow oil and gas project. We cannot allow ConocoPhillips to accelerate the climate crisis.”

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The Wilderness Society is the leading conservation organization uniting people to care for America’s wild places. Founded in 1935, and now with more than one million members and supporters, The Wilderness Society has led the effort to permanently protect 111 million acres of wilderness and to ensure sound management of our shared national lands. www.wilderness.org.