Native Alaskan leaders are expressing their strong opposition to the Biden administration’s recent actions blocking oil and gas drilling in Alaska. These actions have generated heavy criticism from Native Alaskans, who argue that oil and gas drilling activities are vital for the state’s economy and local programs.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) has been specifically targeted by Native Alaskans for blocking future oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve (NPR), the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and federal offshore waters off the state’s coast. These areas were set aside by Congress for resource development.
During recent testimony, Charles Lampe, the president of the Kaktovik Iñupiat Corporation, emphasized the importance of the leasing program for his community’s survival. He stated that the debate should not solely focus on caribou but should also consider the economic needs of the people. Lampe called on Congress to fulfill promises made over 40 years ago and support indigenous populations’ rights to economic, social, and cultural self-determination.
Other Native Alaskan leaders, including Nagruk Harcharek, the president of Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat, and Josiah Patkotak, the Iñupiaq mayor of the North Slope Borough, have also condemned the federal restrictions on resource development. They have criticized Secretary Deb Haaland and other Biden administration officials for failing to engage with them and address their concerns.
The Biden administration’s actions have raised concerns about the long-term economic and cultural risks faced by Native Alaskan communities. Approximately 95% of the region’s tax base comes from taxation on the development of land on the North Slope. Without these funds and a strong regional economy, communities and culture are at risk.
In September, the DOI proposed regulations to protect millions of acres of land across the NPR and ordered additional acres to be withdrawn from oil and gas leasing in the Beaufort Sea. The agency also ruled out offshore oil and gas lease sales in Alaska through 2028. Furthermore, Interior Secretary Haaland canceled seven leases issued in 2021 to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority.
Alaska’s congressional delegation, including Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola, and Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, along with state leaders, have joined Native Alaskans in criticizing the Biden administration for its actions. They argue that Alaska has the right to produce its own energy for economic opportunities, job creation, and national energy security.
The DOI has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
In conclusion, Native Alaskan communities are strongly opposing the Biden administration’s crackdown on oil and gas drilling in Alaska. They argue that these actions jeopardize their economy, cultural heritage, and basic rights. With support from Alaska’s congressional delegation and state leaders, Native Alaskans are demanding engagement and a seat at the policymaking table to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.
