Press Release: Inflation Reduction Act Gives Alaska Cold Shoulder, Notwithstanding Overall Climate Progress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2022
Contact:  Aileo Weinmann| 202-538-5038 | aileo@alaskawild.org         
                  
Inflation Reduction Act Gives Alaska Cold Shoulder, Notwithstanding Overall Climate Progress
“Despite progress on climate action, Alaska and America’s Arctic was mostly forgotten in this deal.”

Washington, D.C. – The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, approved by the House, follows the Senate’s missed opportunity to repeal the failed leasing program in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Despite investments in climate solutions, it mandates an offshore oil and gas lease sale in Alaska’s Cook.

Statement by Peter Winsor, executive director of Alaska Wilderness League:

“The United States is finally making a big leap forward to address climate change, and we are hopeful that this is a turning point to establish America’s global leadership in addressing one of the biggest challenges the world has ever faced together.”

“Despite progress on climate action, however, Alaska and America’s Arctic was mostly forgotten in this deal. We need to make public lands part of the climate solution, not allow oil and gas extraction on our nation’s lands and waters – including Alaska’s Cook Inlet.

“President Biden has an obligation to fulfill his promises to ensure public lands benefit, rather than harm, America’s climate leadership. We will continue to fight for Congressional protections for the Arctic Refuge, and advocate for the Biden administration to do whatever it takes to make sure the Arctic Refuge is a climate solution, and not an oilfield.”

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