ENVIRONMENT

Trump administration finalizes ANWR plan, Izembek road

The Trump administration finalized plans to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s 1.5 million-acre coastal plain to potential oil and gas drilling, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced, also restoring leases canceled by the prior administration. The move fulfills pledges by Trump and congressional Republicans and follows a court ruling that the Biden administration lacked authority to void leases. Indigenous Gwich’in leaders oppose drilling; leaders in Kaktovik support it. Burgum also unveiled a land swap to build a road through Izembek Refuge, backed by King Cove residents and condemned by conservationists who vowed legal challenges.

Reviewed by JQJO team

#alaska #drilling #refuge #wildlife #energy