The Episcopal Church celebrates the recent decision by the Biden Administration to cancel the leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This land is sacred to the Gwich’in people, many of whom are a part of The Episcopal Church and have long-standing relationships – have fervently opposed oil and gas development in the region. This measure halts the immediate risks to the Refuge.
Legislation is still needed, however, to guarantee protections for this land which is sacred to the Gwich’in and is home to thousands of species and vital biodiversity. We urge Congress to take action to ensure the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is permanently protected.
To learn more – please see the Congressional Research Service Report on Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Status of Oil and Gas Program and statement from the U.S. Department of the Interior