Shortly after it decided to impose sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, the government announced a new round of leases for and in its National Wildlife Refuge, reigniting a decades-old dispute between environmental groups, politicians and indigenous communities.
But the announcement of the US government’s ambitious plan involves restarting mining in a protected area in Alaska — one of the last large tracts of unspoiled natural environment in the United States.
AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File
The underground treasure
The decision marks a new turn in a political and legal dispute that has lasted nearly half a century. The disputed section, the so-called “coastal plain”, covers 1.56 million hectares and is believed to hold billions of barrels of oil underground.
SOS for animal wealth
At the same time, it is critical habitat for polar bears, caribou, migratory birds and dozens of other animal and bird species.
During his first term, Trump included a provision in his 2017 tax reforms that required the federal government to conduct two rounds of hiring in the department. Those deals were later suspended by the Biden administration, which canceled them entirely in 2023.
The other two moves that cause reactions
Now, the US Department of the Interior has announced that the new round of leases will take place in the winter, while it has reinstated seven canceled mining licenses acquired in 2021 by the state of Alaska. “This land must and will support responsible oil and gas development,” Interior Secretary Doug Bergham said at an Alaska Day event in Washington.
The decision was accompanied by two other moves that are causing reactions:
- the approval of a controversial gravel road through the Izembek reserve;
- and the routing of an industrial road, which will cross virgin land, to serve a future copper and zinc mine in the north.
“All of these decisions send a clear message: Alaska is open for business,” Bergum said.
Despite the announcements, major oil companies appear cautious, as previous rounds of leasing have not attracted serious interest. Many banks have also pledged not to finance mining projects in the area, while environmental groups say they are ready to go to court.
“Civil war” between natives
“We will fight any attempt to industrialize the fragile Arctic Coastal Plain,” said Kristen Miller, head of the Alaska Wilderness League.
The issue of Arctic mining is also dividing indigenous communities. Inupiat organizations support the plans, pointing to the economic benefits for local communities.
In contrast, the Gwich’in, who live further south and depend on caribou for their sustenance and culture, warn that development will destroy their natural environment. “The opening of the Coastal Plain is an immediate threat to our people, our culture and our future,” said Kristen Moreland, head of the Gwich’in Steering Committee.
The Trump administration’s new move is part of a broader plan for US “energy dominance,” with an emphasis on increasing domestic oil and gas production. But the price—environmental and political—is expected to be heavy, as the battle for the fate of the Arctic appears to be just beginning again.
With information from The New York Times
