Lawmakers, Indigenous Leaders, and Conservationists Reintroduce Arctic Refuge Wilderness Bill Amid Unprecedented Threats 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Date: 4/29/2025 
Contact: Anja Semanco | 724-967-2777 | anja@alaskawild.org 

Washington, D.C. — Today, a powerful coalition of congressional champions, Indigenous leaders, and public lands advocates gathered to announce the reintroduction of the Arctic Refuge Protection Act, a bill that would permanently protect the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as designated wilderness—the highest level of conservation status under federal law. 

This landmark legislation is led by Representatives Jared Huffman and Brian Fitzpatrick in the House, and Senators Ed Markey, Maria Cantwell, and Michael Bennet in the Senate, whose unwavering leadership and commitment to protecting America’s wildest and most ecologically sensitive landscapes was on full display at a press conferenceintroducing the bill earlier today. 

“The Coastal Plain is the biological heart of the Arctic Refuge,” said Kristen Miller, Executive Director at Alaska Wilderness League. “It’s where caribou birth their calves, polar bears den, and millions of migratory birds return to nest each year. This is one of the last, most spectacular intact ecosystems on Earth and the cultural homeland of the Gwich’in Nation. It deserves the strongest possible protection.” 

The press conference highlighted the legislation’s importance for conservation, as well as for justice, cultural stewardship, and honoring the rights of the Gwich’in Nation, who call the Coastal Plain “Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit”—the sacred place where life begins. 

Among the featured speakers were: 

• Senator Ed Markey, who reaffirmed the importance of the Arctic Refuge as a wildlife sanctuary and sacred space that must be protected for future generations. 
• House Natural Resources Ranking Member Jared Huffman, a leading congressional voice for science-based public lands policy and Indigenous rights. 

Gwich’in leaders brought powerful firsthand perspectives: 

• Kristen Moreland, Executive Director of the Gwich’in Steering Committee, underscored that oil development in the Coastal Plain is a human rights issue—and that permanent protection is long overdue. 
  
• Kayleen Ward-Peter, a Tribal member of the Native Village of Venetie Tribal Government, spoke powerfully about the deep impacts of oil and gas development on the Gwich’in people—and why permanent protection of the Arctic Refuge is essential to their way of life.

The press event took place against the backdrop of growing concern over efforts to fast-track industrial development in the Arctic Refuge. Proposed provisions in budget reconciliation and new Secretarial Orders under Secretary Doug Burgum have prioritized oil and gas interests over Indigenous sovereignty and ecological integrity, despite a proven lack of industry interest in developing the Coastal Plain. 

The Arctic Refuge Protection Act offers a permanent path forward—ensuring future generations inherit a land still rich in wildlife, culture, and the possibility of true wildness. 

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