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What is threatening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?
Oil and gas drilling has threatened the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, commonly referred to as one of the world’s last untouched wild spaces, for decades. The Trump administration is currently looking to sell a portion of the land for oil and gas exploration.
What is the issue in ANWR?
The issue for Congress is whether to open a portion of what is now the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to allow the development of potentially the richest on-shore source of oil remaining in the United States, and if so under what restrictions.
Why is the Arctic Refuge in danger?
Oil spills, climate change, fishing, shipping routes—threats facing Arctic seabirds are vast, and hard to track.
Who controls the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
It is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with headquarters in Fairbanks. One of the great pristine and largely undisturbed wilderness areas of North America, the refuge has been the subject of much controversy because of the potential hydrocarbon reserves within it. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Is the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge saved?
Protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has been a bipartisan effort throughout its history. However, the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge remains unprotected. Recent political events have opened this region up to the threat of oil and gas development.
Are there polar bears in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge?
The Arctic Refuge is the only national conservation area where polar bears regularly den and the most consistently used polar bear land denning area in Alaska. These are just two of many reasons the Refuge is such an incredible natural area.
Are we drilling in ANWR?
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Tuesday suspended oil drilling leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, unspooling a signature achievement of the Trump presidency and delivering on a promise by President Biden to protect the fragile Alaskan tundra from fossil fuel extraction.
Why oil drilling is bad for polar bears?
Polar bears are especially sensitive to oil spills because they search for food in the open leads or broken ice where oil accumulates. Laboratory experiments showed that oil ingested during grooming caused liver and kidney damage. One bear died 26 years after oiling and another was euthanized.
Is the Arctic Wildlife Refuge safe?
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge just got a reprieve—but it’s not safe yet. The U.S. recently announced it would suspend oil and gas leases in a pristine Alaskan ecosystem. For 40 years, politicians have been fighting over whether to allow companies to drill for oil and gas in the pristine wilderness.
How big is Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?
30,136 mi²
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge/Area
Are they going to drill oil in the Arctic?
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Monday finalized its plan to open up part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to oil and gas development, a move that overturns six decades of protections for the largest remaining stretch of wilderness in the United States.
How is the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge being affected?
But the U.S. Department of the Interior has approved a plan to auction off leases for oil and gas development in the refuge, a move that could negatively impact wildlife and tourism. The plan would open up the refuge’s coastal plain — a patch of 1.56 million acres along the coast of the Beaufort Sea — to drilling.
How is oil and gas drilling affecting the Arctic National Refuge?
NC State researchers say the move poses numerous threats. The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved a plan to auction off leases for oil and gas development in the refuge, a move that could negatively impact wildlife and tourism. Photo Credit: iStock
How many species of fish live in the Arctic Refuge?
Forty-three fish species, 45 mammal species, and more than 195 bird species have been observed within the Arctic Refuge. These creatures, as well as mosses, lichens, and vascular plants, are adapted to the specific characteristics of their arctic environment and its short growing season.
Why are polar bears dying in the Arctic?
Polar bears have been found dead in emaciated condition. Muskox numbers have declined on the Refuge. A potential factor is mid-winter icing caused by freezing rain and thaws. This icing reduces access to food and also increases the amount of energy each animal uses.