Deadline for comments on the DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT for the COASTAL PLAIN OIL AND GAS LEASING PROGRAM. BLM considers four alternatives: 

Alt. A is the no-action alternative which considers the Coastal Plain in its current state; 

Alt. B would offer the entire Coastal Plain for lease, under various lease provisions like no-surface occupancy or timing limitations; 

Alt. C would also offer the entire Coastal Plain for leasing, but under a different configuration of lease terms and provisions than Alt. B; and Alt. D, which would offer more than 1 million acres for lease with two sub alternatives of lease restrictions that are presented as a way to address caribou use during the summer.

BLM states in the EIS that it will not select the no-action alternative due to the requirements of the Tax Act to hold two lease sales on the Coastal Plain. To see the documents, including maps, go to https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-front-office/eplanning/planAndProjectSite.do?methodName=dispatchToPatternPage&currentPageId=152110.

To comment:

Website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-and-nepa/plans-indevelopment/alaska/coastal-plain-eis. NOTE: Due to the government shutdown, this web page is not currently accepting comments. If you wish to comment online while the shutdown is still in place, please submit your comments via postal mail.

• Mail to: BLM, Alaska State Office, Attention—Coastal Plain EIS, 222 West 7th Avenue, #13, Anchorage, AK 99513–7599.

• Hand Delivery: BLM Alaska Public Information Center (Public Room), 222 W. 8th Avenue (First Floor), Anchorage, Alaska. Note: Due to the government shutdown, the BLM offices are not open. If you wish to comment while the shutdown is in place, please submit your comments via postal mail.

For more information on Alaska Wildlife Alliance’s actions on this issue, please read our latest news blog.