By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
The Biden administration has announced measures to safeguard extensive federal lands in Alaska in order to preserve habitats crucial for fish and wildlife, which are integral to the traditional way of life for native communities. These initiatives from the Interior Department are part of President Joe Biden's broader environmental agenda aimed at conserving 30% of U.S. lands and waters.
In a recent statement, the Interior Department confirmed its final decision to reject a proposed 211 mile road intended for facilitating mining operations in north central Alaska. This decision, initially indicated in April due to concerns over potential impacts on caribou and fish populations essential for subsistence, underscores the administration's commitment to environmental protection.
Furthermore, the administration has signaled its intent to maintain restrictions on development across 28 million acres of Alaskan land, reversing efforts by former President Donald Trump's administration to remove such protections during its final days. Biden's Interior Department paused the Trump era decision to solicit public input and assess the potential consequences of opening the area to mining or oil and gas extraction.
A comprehensive environmental analysis, released recently, concluded that allowing development could adversely affect subsistence hunting and fishing in as many as 117 native communities. A final decision by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is expected within 30 days following the environmental review's publication.
President Biden emphasized the significance of these actions in safeguarding pristine areas that Alaska Native communities depend on. He reiterated his administration's commitment to protecting natural treasures and highlighted the importance of preserving these lands from industrial exploitation.
Additionally, a policy introduced in 2022 allows eligible Alaska veterans of the Vietnam War to select 160 acre allotments from the protected 28 million acres, continuing efforts to honor veterans and support conservation initiatives.