**Interior Department Reaffirms Protections on 28 Million Acres of Alaska Public Lands**
In a significant move, the U.S. Department of the Interior has decided to retain protections on 28 million acres of D-1 public lands in Alaska, reversing a Trump-era initiative to allow oil and gas leasing on these areas. This decision marks a crucial victory for environmental and indigenous groups who have long advocated for the preservation of these ecologically rich and culturally significant lands.
The Biden administration’s actions are a direct response to the previous administration’s rushed attempt to lift longstanding protections without adequate analysis of the potential impacts on subsistence resources, fish and wildlife habitats, and Alaska Native communities. These protections, authorized by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) in 1971, have long been recognized as essential for preserving the public interest in these lands.
D-1 lands cover vast regions across Northwest, Southwest, Southcentral, and Southeast Alaska, including critical areas like the Bay, Bering Sea-Western Interior, East Alaska, Kobuk-Seward Peninsula, and Ring of Fire planning zones. These lands are not just vital for their natural resources but also serve as crucial habitats for caribou herds, migratory birds, and salmon populations.
The Interior Department’s decision reflects a commitment to robust environmental assessments and thorough Tribal consultations, which were glaringly absent in the previous administration’s plans. Following years of review and community engagement, the Interior Department conducted 19 community meetings and received over 15,000 public comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The overwhelming support from Alaska Native groups and environmental advocates underscored the importance of retaining these protections.
Key highlights of the decision include:
– **Environmental Assessment:** The BLM’s final EIS indicated that revoking protections would lead to significant harm to subsistence hunting and fishing practices, as well as lasting impacts on wildlife, vegetation, and permafrost.
– **Tribal Consultation:** Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the