An ongoing debate over oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge took a significant turn after the White House announced plans to cancel leases in the area.
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has been a focal point for climate activists since a law passed in 2017.
Groups like The Wilderness Society and big-name outdoor brands like Patagonia came out in protest of the plans. Local indigenous tribes also criticized the project and demanded more action to protect the critical wildlife habitat.
About the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge covers nearly 20 million acres of land. That’s equivalent to the entire state of South Carolina.
The Refuge sits above the Arctic Circle in the state’s northeast corner. The land includes a coastline, a forest and tundra areas, which is home to multiple species, including caribou. There are estimated to be about 200,000 caribou making up a herd called The Porcupine.
Other animals include all three species of North American bears, including black, brown and polar bears. The area is also home to muskox, walrus and arctic fox.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service oversees the area that is not accessible by road. They say, “A trip to Arctic National Wildlife Refuge can be an inspiring, life-changing experience. Whether you want to photograph, fish, hunt, challenge yourself with travel in the backcountry, or just spend quiet time in an immense and humbling landscape, this is a truly remarkable place.”
Visitors should know there are no roadways or facilities.