### Interior Department Retains Protections on Alaska’s Public Lands
In a significant move, the U.S. Interior Department has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving 28 million acres of public lands in Alaska, halting plans to open these areas to oil and gas leasing.
**Historical Context:**
The lands in question, referred to as D-1 public lands, were initially protected under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) in 1971. This protection was designed to safeguard the ecological richness and cultural significance of these areas, which are crucial for biodiversity and subsistence hunting and fishing practices among Alaska Native communities.
**Trump-Era Efforts:**
During the final days of the Trump administration, there was an attempted bid to relax these protections, which could have opened millions of acres to extractive development activities like mining and oil and gas drilling. However, these measures were deemed unlawful due to inadequate environmental assessments and insufficient Tribal consultation.
**Biden Administration’s Response:**
Upon taking office, the Biden administration promptly paused these plans and initiated an extensive environmental review process. This process involved public hearings and the collection of over 15,000 comments from stakeholders, including Alaska Native groups and environmental organizations. The review process highlighted the potential severe impacts on wildlife habitats, permafrost, and subsistence activities.
**Final Decision:**
After a thorough evaluation, the Interior Department concluded that revoking the protections would harm long-standing subsistence practices and्थ degrade ecological integrity. Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized that Tribal consultation is a non-negotiable requirement in making decisions affecting Indigenous communities.
**Community Input:**
Throughout the review period, there was overwhelming support from Alaska Native communities and environmental groups for retaining the protective measures. These groups stressed the importance of preserving intact ecosystems, which serve as vital buffers against climate change.
**Future Implications:**
This decision marks a significant victory for environmental advocates and Alaska Native tribes, who have long fought to protect these lands. The outcome underscores the importance of