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The Biden administration announced it will protect 28 million acres in Alaska from mining and oil and gas development. The move reverses a decision made in the waning days of the Trump administration to open millions of acres to extractive activities with the potential to harm the environment as well as cultural and subsistence resources for Alaska Native communities.
“Tribal consultation must be treated as a requirement—not an option—when the federal government is making decisions that could irrevocably affect Tribal communities,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement. “Continuing these essential protections, which have been in place for decades, will ensure continued access and use of these public lands now and in the future.”
The decision cited the potential negative impacts on fishing and hunting activities for the estimated 31,000 to 52,000 people who rely on the land in question for drinking water, food security, and cultural identity. The move will protect caribou habitat, as well as Bristol Bay, an area with significant salmon populations. Closing the area to future development will also prevent spills from contaminating rivers and harming birds and other wildlife.
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Regardless of who’s flying the drone—a hobbyist or a photographer—you’re putting people’s lives and property in danger when you fly over an incident. It's just not worth it.”
