Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today marked the end of a federal comment period on proposed regulations that could limit oil and gas extraction in the Western Arctic.
In September, the White House launched the comment period on proposed regulations affecting the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPRA). The deadline for the proposed environmental protections was initially November 17, but was extended by 30 days. More than 21 million acres, an area nearly as large as Indiana, could see additional protections for public lands and waters if the administration follows through on the comment period with an administrative rule.
In response, Sierra Club Director of Conservation Programs Dan Ritzman, released the following statement:
“The Western Arctic is on the frontline of climate change, but it can also be on the frontline of climate action. Simply put, oil and gas drilling is incompatible with the long-term survival of Arctic communities, and the caribou, bears, wolverines, and other wildlife that rely on it. We urge President Biden to listen to the thousands of Americans who have called for an end to extraction on these most precious public lands and avert a climate catastrophe.”
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.