Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Biden Administration launched a process that could result in additional protections for untouched landscapes in the Western Arctic
The Department of the Interior announced it would seek input on a proposed plan that could expand existing Special Areas in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPRA), commonly known as the Western Arctic. Special Areas are designated places with significant ecological significance, help store carbon and fight climate change, and are important subsistence hunting and gathering areas for surrounding Alaska Native communities. If enacted, the expansion could bring additional protections for millions of acres of public lands in one of the last untouched ecosystems in the United States, preserving lands and waters, and safeguarding vital habitat for imperiled species.
At nearly 23 million acres, the Western Arctic is the largest single unit of public lands in the U.S. and supports diverse wildlife including polar bears, caribou, and migratory birds. In April, the Biden administration issued new protections for more than 13 million acres of the Western Arctic. These moves are important, as recent studies have shown Arctic ecosystems warming four times faster than the rest of the planet.
In response, Athan Manuel, director of Sierra Club’s Lands Protection Program, released the following statement:
“If enacted, these proposed protections would be another historic move towards long-term preservation of America’s Arctic. From canceling oil and gas leases in the Arctic Refuge to boosting protections for 13 million acres in the Western Arctic, the Biden administration has made significant progress in safeguarding these landscapes and the communities and wildlife that rely on them. The Arctic is at the frontline of climate change. President Biden is making it the frontline of climate action.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.