Staff Reports
Alaska Natives are taking a stand against the Biden administration’s oppressive move to halt oil and gas development in the northern part of the state, which they argue is crucial for the prosperity and well-being of their communities. The Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat (VOICE), a nonprofit group advocating for Native-American communities on the North Slope, has filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland over the final rule blocking off 13 million acres in their region from energy development.
The lawsuit contends that the rule directly contradicts the Congressional intent behind the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A), which was specifically designated to boost domestic oil supplies. By shutting down this vital sector, the federal government is effectively silencing the voices of the North Slope Iñupiat, disregarding the unanimous opposition expressed by elected community leaders.
The NPR-A holds significant importance to the ancestral lands of the Iñupiat people, with the North Slope Borough (NSB) having been established to ensure local communities have a say in and benefit from responsible development in the area. The tax revenues generated from oil and gas activities play a crucial role in funding public services and infrastructure improvements that have significantly enhanced the quality of life for residents.
Prior to the development of these resources, life in the North Slope was arduous, with residents having to rely on primitive methods like gathering driftwood for heat and using makeshift outdoor toilets. The progress brought about by the oil and gas industry has not only provided modern amenities but also created jobs and economic opportunities that have uplifted these communities.
Native Alaskans file lawsuit challenging federal overreach in wake of #SCOTUS ‘Chevron' ruling #ClimateCult #WarOnOil #WarOnGas #AdministrativeState https://t.co/ttJIFYAUev
— Oregon Tea Party 🇺🇲 (@OregonTeaParty) July 11, 2024
The lawsuit comes in the wake of a Supreme Court decision to limit federal agency discretion, a move that could pave the way for more legal challenges against overreaching government actions. The Iñupiat, who have inhabited these lands for millennia, are seeking to regain control over their future and preserve their unique culture from being overshadowed by misguided environmental policies pushed by the current administration.
As the Biden administration touts its commitment to engaging with Native American tribes in decision-making processes, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The lack of meaningful dialogue and consultation with the Iñupiat underscores the urgent need for judicial intervention to ensure their voices are heard and their interests are protected against bureaucratic overreach.
By standing up to government overreach and defending their right to determine their own destiny, the Alaska Natives are setting a precedent for communities across the country who refuse to be trampled upon by the heavy-handed policies of an out-of-touch administration.
