EPPN: Time to permanently protect the Arctic

Posted Jan 27, 2016

[Episcopal Public Policy Network policy alert] One year ago today, the Obama Administration took a critical step toward permanent protection for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s coastal plain by releasing a long-anticipated report. This report, called the Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP), not only provided useful guidance for conserving the natural habitat of the Arctic but also recommended an official Wilderness designation for coastal plain.

While this report alone cannot protect the coastal plain, Congress can heed its recommendation and pass legislation that would achieve permanent protection for this region of the Arctic. Fortunately, some members of Congress agree with the CCP. In 2015, Representative Jared Huffman and Senator Michael Bennet introduced legislation (HR 239 and S. 2341) that would permanently protect the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge through an official Wilderness designation.

Stirred by our commitment to safeguarding God’s creation and by our solidarity with the Gwich’in (a native Alaskan people who are largely Episcopalian), The Episcopal Church has long advocated for the coastal plain’s permanent protection. Please raise your voice in support of this critical legislation today!

Ask your member of Congress to support permanent Wilderness designation for the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge!


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