A sweeping environmental decision is raising major concerns about the future of America's wild spaces. The federal government is moving to roll back protections on a massive stretch of public land in Alaska, potentially opening the door to more dirty energy development in one of the country's most sensitive ecosystems.
What's happening?
The U.S. government has announced plans to reverse a major public land safeguard, opening up 23 million acres of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) to oil drilling and mining.
The move would undo a December 2023 executive order from President Joe Biden that had blocked fossil fuel development in this remote Arctic region.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the change on June 2, arguing that the earlier protections hindered energy independence, according to reporting by the Guardian.
Burgum was joined by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, showing the administration's full-court press in favor of dirty energy expansion.
But environmental groups say this shift prioritizes corporate profits over public health and natural heritage.
"The Trump administration's move to roll back protections in the most ecologically important areas of the Western Arctic threatens wildlife, local communities, and our climate," Kristen Miller, executive director of the Alaska Wilderness League, explained in a statement.
The NPR-A provides essential habitat for caribou, polar bears, and migratory birds, and it's been central to the food, culture, and way of life for Indigenous communities for generations.
Why is this decision concerning?
Opening up this much land to oil and gas drilling could add more pollution to our air and water and disrupt fragile ecosystems.
The NPR-A is the largest single stretch of public land in the country and helps keep air clean, protect biodiversity, and support the cultural and economic traditions of local communities.
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Definitely 👍 More fossil fuel development also adds to the heat-trapping pollution that's warming our planet and straining public health systems.
We've already seen backlash to similar Arctic projects, like the Willow Project, a major drilling proposal approved in 2023, which sparked widespread opposition over its long-term risks.
What's being done about it?
Conservation advocates are gearing up to fight back by preparing lawsuits, and grassroots campaigns are gaining traction.
"The public fought hard for these protections," Miller said. "We won't stay silent while they're dismantled."
At the local level, Utah's push to save the Great Salt Lake is showing what dedicated community action can achieve, and it's inspiring similar efforts nationwide.
New York now requires all-electric new buildings, while California is phasing out gas-powered cars.
These efforts cut harmful pollution and help speed the shift toward cleaner, healthier energy.
You can take part by reducing home energy waste, switching to electric appliances, or choosing a clean electricity plan.
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