This Year May Mark a Turning Point for a Premier American Wildlife Refuge

The outcome of the election will decide the fate of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Will it remain wild?
On the north slope of the Brooks Range in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, pristine rivers run toward Prudhoe Bay. | Photo by Cassidy Randall

The Outcome of the Election Will Decide the Fate of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

On the cusp of Arctic autumn, we found ourselves alone at the Ivishak River’s headwaters, deep in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a vast 19.6 million-acre expanse from the Brooks Range to the ocean. Our eight-day journey was set to explore nearly a hundred miles of untouched wilderness, from dinosaur-old mountains to tundra, ending at the Dalton Highway, a transition from wilderness to oil infrastructure.

The refuge, a symbol in the fight against climate change, is under threat. Alaskan officials push for drilling for oil beneath its surface, citing economic benefits. In contrast, the Gwich’in people and environmental groups have long opposed development, valuing the land’s untouched state. The refuge remains unprotected, unlike its neighbor, the Gates of the Arctic National Park.

In 2017, the Trump administration mandated oil and gas lease sales in the refuge. Although the Biden administration canceled these leases in 2023, the 2017 mandate still requires another sale in December 2024. Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has expressed opposition to fossil fuel leases on public lands, contrasting with Republican plans to revive drilling in the Arctic Refuge.

Our journey highlighted humanity’s smallness and the impact of fossil fuel extraction, with unseasonable heat and thunderstorms, a new phenomenon linked to climate change. These storms forced us to leave the tundra a day early, underscoring the fragile balance of this pristine environment.

As we navigated the Trans-Alaska Pipeline en route to the Dalton Highway, the juxtaposition of wild landscapes and industrial infrastructure was stark. The pipeline, once transporting over 2 million barrels daily, now carries under half a million. The Arctic is warming rapidly, with record temperatures and increased human activity threatening its future.

The upcoming election is crucial for the Arctic Refuge’s future, with millions of voters having a say in preserving one of the last great wildernesses. The decision will not only affect this land but also have broader environmental implications.

More stories about:

arctic,
saving wild places,
wildlife,
indigenous communities,
oil

Original Story at www.sierraclub.org

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Federal Funding Targets Reduction of Carbon Emissions and Air Pollution at US Ports


The U.S. government has announced a new initiative to tackle carbon emissions and air pollution at the nation’s ports. This effort comes with the allocation of federal funds aimed at modernizing port infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices. The goal is to significantly reduce the environmental impact of port operations, a critical step in addressing climate change.



Significant Investments in Green Technologies


The initiative involves substantial investments in green technologies, including electrified equipment and renewable energy sources. Ports are major contributors to air pollution, primarily due to emissions from diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. By adopting cleaner technologies, the U.S. aims to cut down on the release of harmful pollutants.



Government and Industry Collaboration


The program calls for collaboration between federal agencies and industry stakeholders. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidelines for reducing emissions, offering ports technical assistance to implement sustainable practices. This partnership is crucial for developing innovative solutions tailored to specific port needs.



Impact on Local Communities


Local communities, often disproportionately affected by air pollution from ports, are expected to benefit from cleaner air and improved health outcomes. The initiative emphasizes the importance of involving community organizations to ensure that the changes address local concerns.



Monitoring and Accountability


To ensure accountability, the program includes measures for monitoring emissions reductions and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented technologies. This data-driven approach facilitates continuous improvement and demonstrates the benefits of federal investments in environmental sustainability.



Long-Term Environmental Goals


This federal funding aligns with broader environmental goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The U.S. government continues to prioritize policy changes that support these objectives and drive progress within the transportation and logistics sectors.