News
Trump Administration Moves Forward with Arctic Refuge Lease Sale
April 17, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 17, 2026
Contact: Andy Moderow | 907-360-3622 | andy@alaskawild.org
Trump Administration Moves Forward with Arctic Refuge Lease Sale, Ignoring Public Opposition and Threatening Indigenous Communities
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Trump administration announced plans to hold a new oil and gas lease sale in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, advancing efforts to industrialize one of the nation’s most iconic and ecologically significant landscapes.
The coastal plain of the Refuge is often called the biological heart of the Arctic Refuge. On top of critical polar bear habitat, it is the calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou herd, which the Gwich’in people rely on for their culture, food security, and way of life.
Despite this, and despite consistent polling showing that a strong majority of Americans oppose drilling in the Arctic Refuge, the administration is moving forward with a plan that prioritizes oil industry interests over people, wildlife, and long-term economic stability.
“For decades, the American people have recognized that the Arctic Refuge is not an industrial zone for oil development, and this sale simply runs counter to common sense,” said Andy Moderow, senior director of policy at Alaska Wilderness League. “Any oil and gas company that is even thinking about buying these leases should know that, if they do, they will be sending a clear message to the American people—that no place in Alaska is too sacred to drill in a quest for corporate profits. We urge companies to take a pass on the Arctic Refuge lease sale, and we look forward to rightfully restoring protections for this landscape in the years to come.”
Previous lease sales in the Refuge have struggled to attract interest, underscoring the growing financial and reputational risks associated with Arctic drilling. Major banks and insurers have distanced themselves from such projects, and energy markets continue to shift toward cleaner alternatives.
Alaska Wilderness League will continue to stand with the Gwich’in people and partners across the country to oppose drilling in the Arctic Refuge and protect America’s public lands and waters for future generations.
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