Advocates Pursue Long-Term Protections for One of the Remaining Untouched Regions Within the United States
Defending the Arctic's Last Sanctuary: The Arctic Refuge Protection Act
Friends of the wild, unite! The introduction of the Arctic Refuge Protection Act is a beacon of hope in our fight to secure a lasting future for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This bold step forward marks the beginning of the end for efforts by the previous administration to drill and devastate this pristine landscape.
The Gwich'in Nation, a people deeply connected to the land, stand shoulder to shoulder with us in their quest to shield one of North America's most treasured ecosystems. As Nicole Whittington-Evans, Defenders of Wildlife's senior director of Alaska and Northwest programs, states, "The Coastal Plain must be protected from destruction, not just for wildlife, but for the climate and the indigenous communities that rely on it."
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a marvel of biodiversity, where polar bears, wolves, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, and over 300 bird species call home. The heart of this sanctuary, the Coastal Plain, serves as crucial calving grounds for the Porcupine caribou herd, a vital lifeline for the Gwich'in Nation. The Coastal Plain holds a sacred significance for the Gwich'in, known to them as "The Sacred Place Where Life Begins."
Oil and gas drilling would be a catastrophe for this delicate ecosystem, threatening not only its wildlife but also the climate and the cultures of the indigenous communities that depend on it. We must act swiftly to pass the Arctic Refuge Protection Act and secure the permanent Wilderness protection that the Refuge so desperately needs.
Join us in preserving our wild heritage! Learn more about how Defenders of Wildlife is making a difference, and become a part of our movement for change at https://ourwebsite.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.
Important Updates:
As of May 2025, the Arctic Refuge Protection Act has been reintroduced in the U.S. Senate. This landmark legislation seeks to prevent any new oil and gas leasing, exploration, development, and drilling on the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Supported by the Gwich’in Nation and other advocates, this groundbreaking act signals a crucial step towards saving this irreplaceable wilderness.
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is essential for the survival of countless species and the cultural preservation of indigenous communities like the Gwich’in Nation. Together, let's ensure the lasting protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for future generations.
References:
- [1] Defenders of Wildlife. (n.d.). Protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Retrieved May 25, 2023, from https://ourwebsite.org/our-work/protecting-wildlife/arctic-national-wildlife-refuge
- [2] Natural Resources Defense Council. (2021). Arctic Refuge Protection Act. Retrieved May 25, 2023, from https://www.nrdc.org/experts/jacqueline-covey/arctic-refuge-protection-act
- [3] Sierra Club. (2023). Arctic Refuge Protection Act Update. Retrieved May 25, 2023, from https://www.sierraclub.org/arctic-refuge-protection-act-update
- [4] Senate.gov. (2025). Arctic Refuge Protection Act of 2025. Retrieved May 25, 2023, from http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=119&session=1&vote=048
Media Contact:
Jacqueline [email protected]
- The Arctic Refuge Protection Act, reintroduced in May 2025, is a critical piece of policy-and-legislation aimed at safeguarding the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil and gas drilling, in alignment with the environmental-science community's concerns about climate-change.
- As the Gwich'in Nation and numerous advocates rally for the Arctic Refuge Protection Act, the future of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary teeming with biodiversity and of immense cultural significance to the Gwich'in, remains under the scrutiny of the science, general-news, and politics sectors.
- The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, home to polar bears, wolves, and the Porcupine caribou herd, among others, is a treasure trove of wildlife, unfolding the story of the environment and its delicate balance in the face of climate-change. The environmental-science community calls attention to the necessity of the Arctic Refuge Protection Act to safeguard the Refuge and mitigate the impact of human activities on the climate.
