As part of our “Voices for Wildlife” program, the Alaska Wildlife Alliance believes in protecting wildlife habitat and promoting robust public participation in government decisions that may affect Alaska’s wildlife. This is why, on January 14, 2019, we joined several other conservation groups by signing a letter to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) requesting that the public comment period deadline for the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) pertaining to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program be extended beyond the 45 days originally advertised (currently due by February 11, 2019), and that additional public hearings be held across the nation so that members of the public outside of Alaska who value this national treasure are also given an opportunity to have their voice heard. Read the letter here.
The lands comprising the Coastal Plain that are being considered for oil and gas activities include approximately 1.6 million acres within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The purpose of the public comment period is to inform the public of the availability of the Draft EIS and solicit comment from the public. Information received during the public comment period will be used to develop the Final EIS. Upon completion of a Final EIS and Record of Decision, the BLM intends to conduct oil and gas lease sales in accordance with Public Law 115–97
We urge our supporters to speak up for wildlife and submit a comment through this public comment process, before a final decision is made. You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
• 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.
