Yet again, the federal government is advancing an oil and gas lease sale in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge — one of the ecologically important public landscapes in our country.

The Coastal Plain is sacred to the Gwich’in people and critical habitat for caribou, polar bears, migratory birds, and countless other species. It is also one of the most remote, expensive, and controversial places in the world to drill.

We know that gambling on Arctic drilling is a losing bet — for corporate profits, taxpayers, wildlife, and communities. Past lease sales have shown weak interest and high risk. And once this landscape is industrialized, the damage cannot be undone.

This moment calls for a clear public stand:
No drilling in the Arctic Refuge. Oil companies should stay away.

Why Testify 

The current federal process does not provide a meaningful opportunity for broad public input. But we all have a stake in whether our government sells off one of the most iconic and vulnerable public landscapes in the country, and whether oil corporations buy it. 

This hearing is our opportunity to: 

• Stand in solidarity with the Gwich’in and Iñupiat land protectors
• Speak directly to oil companies considering bidding 
• Put our opposition on record 
• Show that people across the country care deeply about protecting this place 

Your voice matters. Speaking up collectively shifts the political and corporate landscape. 

What to Expect 

The evening will begin with guests from the Gwich’in Steering Committee, who will join us in Portland to share about their efforts to protect the Coastal Plain of the Arctic Refuge — known as “Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit” (the Sacred Place Where Life Begins), and why it matters.

After their remarks, we will open the floor for community members to offer brief testimony. 

• Anyone who wishes to speak will have the opportunity. You do not have to provide testimony to attend.
• Testimony will be transcribed. 
• We will compile and share community testimony with corporations ahead of the lease sale. 

This is a respectful, welcoming space grounded in solidarity and shared purpose. 

How to Offer Testimony 

If you’d like to speak: 

• Share your full name and where you’re from.
• Keep your remarks to two minutes or less so everyone has a chance to speak. 
• Speak from the heart: share your personal story and why protecting the Arctic Refuge matters to YOU
• Please be sure to state: “No drilling in the Arctic Refuge. Oil companies should stay away from this lease sale.” 
• If you have questions or would like support in drafting testimony, please reach out to Lois Norrgard: lois@alaskawild.org 

You don’t need to be an expert. Personal stories and reflections are powerful. 

Additional resources: 

• Factsheet: Case to Protect the Arctic Refuge
• Arctic National Wildlife Refuge