Despite the pandemic, the Trump administration is moving ahead with public hearings on the Willow project – a massive oil and gas development being pushed by ConocoPhillips – in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. This project poses a significant threat to polar bears, caribou, and hundreds of thousands of migratory birds which stand to be affected by this new oil development.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) held the last two virtual hearings yesterday on Zoom. They had participants also call in or watch a livestream of the hearings on Facebook.
Proceeding with these hearings during the COVID-19 health crisis undermines public interest values and the legitimacy of the BLM decision-making process for the Willow project. Emergency declarations by the State of Alaska, the North Slope Borough, and the Federal Government are having significant disruptive effects on normal living and working conditions and impair the ability of the public to weigh in on the federal government actions that directly affect them. Additionally, many communities impacted by the Willow project don’t necessarily have the internet access to participate – likely shutting out important public participation in the process.
“Wildlife and people are being short-changed. It is unconscionable that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is moving forward with a massive oil and gas development during a global health emergency,” said Nicole Whittington-Evans, Alaska program director for Defenders of Wildlife in a statement. “The Trump administration should suspend all oil and gas planning processes, hearings, and lease sales until this crisis is over.”
Submit your comments and concerns about the Willow Project Online HERE!
By Email: BLM_AK_Willow_Comments@blm.gov
By Mail:
Willow MDP DEIS Comments
Bureau of Land Management
222 West 7th Ave., Stop #13
Anchorage, AK 99513
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