From the Alaska Wilderness League (http://www.alaskawild.org):
The administration has just released a new draft management plan that proposes to open huge swaths of protected lands in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska to ConocoPhillips for oil drilling. Please oppose this plan for more drilling in the western Arctic.
Critical habitats are on the chopping block, and ConocoPhillips has its sights set on expanding development into the bird sanctuary and wildlife haven of the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area. Migratory birds need this protected area to raise their young and escape predators.
Just consider damage an oil spill near the largest lake in Arctic Alaska would cause to millions of birds that rely on this area, at a time when so many bird species are already disappearing.
Special Areas in the western Arctic were set aside after years of consensus-building with government agencies, Alaska Natives, local Alaskans, scientists, conservationists, and citizens across the United States. In addition to birds, many mammals such as wolves, grizzly bears, moose and wolverine call this iconic landscape their home. Likewise, marine mammals such as polar bears, walrus, beluga whales and spotted seals utilize its rich coastal and lagoon waters.
Go to https://secure.everyaction.com/U8oCrQbFY0Kqm6kRE8OWSg2 to tell interior Secretary Bernhardt to reject the administration’s plan to prioritize more risky oil and gas projects in Special Areas of the western Arctic. They must take heed of the serious impacts to our climate, Alaska’s indigenous populations, and the fish and wildlife that depend on these lands.
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