(Nuiqsut, Alaska/Washington, DC) – Today, the Trump administration took steps to strike down critical protections for 13 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska (Western Arctic Reserve), opening a 60-day comment period on its proposal.

“It is extremely disheartening to see the Trump Administration move to undo critical protections for the Western Arctic. The health of our communities is completely interconnected with the health of the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area. We have stewarded these lands for generations, and we will continue working to protect this region for years to come. The Trump Administration will be hearing from us throughout this comment period. These protections are critical to the prosperity of wildlife, communities, lands, and waters in the Western Arctic, said Rosemary Ahtuangaruak, Executive Director of Grandmothers Growing Goodness.

These safeguards were finalized last year to protect the food security, cultural traditions, and health of communities on the North Slope from the expansion of oil and gas development. They were developed in collaboration with robust input from scientists and wildlife experts, as well as our Indigenous communities, who live in harmony with these lands and the wildlife they support. These protections also received supportive comments from more than 250,000 people across the country.

“The Department of the Interior finalized these protections for the Western Arctic just a year ago. So much time and effort went into conveying the importance of this land, it's impossible to translate the importance of these lands instilled in us by our elders; this is heartwrenching. Science, traditional knowledge, and even human rights aren't being taken into account; the proposal is not based on information, but predetermined and shortsighted ambitions. We will be calling on our Iñupiat allies and submitting comments urging the administration to keep these vital protections in place,” said Nauri Simmonds, Executive Director of Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic.

The repeal of these protections would significantly impact Teshekpuk Lake and its surroundings, which are vital for the Teshekpuk Caribou Herd, providing calving grounds, summer habitat, and migration routes. The area is also integral to Indigenous subsistence practices, supporting hunting, fishing, and gathering.