Trump administration finalizes plan to open pristine Alaska wildlife refuge to oil and gas drilling

The Trump administration has cleared the way for oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, reigniting one of the country’s longest-running environmental battles. The 1.5-million-acre coastal plain—sacred to the Gwich’in and home to the Porcupine caribou herd—will be opened for potential lease sales under a plan championed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Alaska’s leaders. Supporters call it economic progress; opponents see a betrayal of sacred lands and fragile ecosystems. Lawsuits are already on the horizon. Becky Bohrer with Associated Press has the full story.

Becky Bohrer

Associated Press

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