Tag: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

A new Republican bill would open millions of acres of protected land to fossil fuel and timber companies while gutting environmental review processes, in a bid to help fund massive tax cuts.

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland authorized cancellation of the remaining leases.

"This is really the time that Congress should take action, and restore the protections by dismantling the leasing program."

"Until the leases are canceled, they will remain a threat to one of the wildest places left in America."

The pristine reserve is home to the Gwich’in people, who call it “Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit,” or, “the sacred place where life begins.”

The National Wildlife Federation argues that the rushed comment period in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic ensures that public opposition will not be heard adequately.

"Opening more of the Arctic to drilling and fracking is incredibly reckless."

Citigroup now joins Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo, along with several global banks to end funding oil and gas exploration in the Arctic.

"Wells Fargo is committed to accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy, in addition to continuing to support the responsible development of conventional energy."

The deeply unpopular plan would benefit a few rich oil companies while threatening people, wildlife and the climate.