Protect the Arctic: Tell BLM not to weaken wildlife protections in the NPR-A!

We need to speak up today: The Bureau of Land Management is now deciding whether to fast-track oil and gas development in a massive stretch of wildlife habitat known as the National Petroleum Alaska-Reserve.

The Reserve is home to an incredible array of animals, including caribou, polar bears, migratory birds and more. These animals are currently protected by safeguards that BLM could decide to weaken, putting their lives and homes in danger.

BLM is taking public comments until the July 6 deadline. We must speak up today before the public is cut out of decision-making processes in this important and rich landscape!

Keep polar bears and other Arctic animals safe: Tell BLM not to weaken vital protections that protect wildlife in the Reserve!

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Defenders of Wildlife

Dear Secretary Burgum,

I urge you to reject efforts to weaken environmental review and public process by expediting permitting for oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). The proposed rulemaking, initiated in response to a petition from the Alaska Oil and Gas Association, risks reducing meaningful environmental review and public oversight for roads, pipelines, gravel pads, and other industrial infrastructure. Fast-tracking approvals for large-scale development threatens sensitive wildlife habitat and undermines careful, science-based decision-making.

Large scale development projects, the kind that could be eligible for approval under this proposed process, require more than cookie-cutter approvals under NEPA.  The proposed process would further ignore the compounding effects of each new additive project in the Arctic - an important reason that each project currently receives scrutiny of its merits and flaws under thorough NEPA review.

The NPR-A is one of America’s most ecologically important Arctic landscapes, providing critical habitat for caribou, migratory birds, fish, and imperiled polar bears. Its wetlands, tundra, and rivers support wildlife populations that sustain ecosystems and Indigenous communities across Alaska’s North Slope and beyond.

The Reserve is already experiencing growing pressure from climate change and industrial expansion. Now more than ever, we must prioritize strong environmental protections, robust public engagement, and respect for the subsistence needs and cultural traditions of Alaska Native communities.

Please ensure that management of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska prioritizes wildlife, healthy ecosystems, and community voices over weakened safeguards for industrial development.

Sincerely,
{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}

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