Halt Destructive Oil and Gas Expansion in Alaska's Wildlands

I am writing to express my deep concern and frustration regarding the recent actions taken by the administration to open vast areas of Alaska's wildlands to oil and gas drilling. These decisions, which include opening the entire 1.56 million acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge's coastal plain to leasing, reissuing permits for the Ambler Road project, and plans to open about 16 million acres of the Western Arctic to new leasing, are shortsighted and prioritize corporate profits over environmental protection and Indigenous rights. The Arctic Refuge's coastal plain is not just a piece of land; it's a critical ecosystem and the cultural heartland of the Gwich'in and Iñupiaq peoples. The Porcupine Caribou Herd, which these communities depend on, will be severely impacted by oil and gas development. Similarly, the proposed 211-mile Ambler Road would cut through pristine wildlands, including parts of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, despite strong opposition from Alaska Native governments and environmental groups. Furthermore, opening the Western Arctic, including the ecologically sensitive Teshekpuk Lake Special Area, to new oil and gas leasing is a direct assault on our efforts to combat climate change. These decisions are not about energy security; they're about enriching oil, gas, and mining corporations at the expense of our environment and future generations. We must recognize that expanding fossil fuel development only deepens the climate crisis and harms local communities. The long-term costs to our ecosystems, Indigenous ways of life, and global climate far outweigh any short-term economic gains. I urge you to take immediate action to reverse these destructive decisions and instead focus on sustainable energy solutions that protect our wildlands and respect Indigenous rights. As your constituent, I demand that you use your position to challenge these harmful policies. We need leaders who will prioritize the long-term health of our planet and all its inhabitants over the profits of the fossil fuel industry. The time for bold action to protect Alaska's wildlands is now. Our future generations deserve nothing less than our fullest commitment to preserving these irreplaceable natural treasures.