[Episcopal Public Policy Network Policy Alert] Yesterday, 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 provides useful guidance for conserving the natural habitat of the Arctic but also recommends an official Wilderness designation for its Coastal Plain.

Send a letter of thanks to President Obama here!

While this report alone cannot permanently protect the Coastal Plain, Congress can heed its recommendation and pass legislation that would achieve permanent protection for this region of the Arctic. The Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act (a bill that would permanently designate the Coastal Plain as Wilderness) was reintroduced to the 114th Congress as HR 239 on January 9th, 2015, and The Episcopal Church will continue to advocate for its passage.

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. The release of the CCP is a joyous occasion for The Church and our ongoing effort to protect the Coastal Plain. As we continue our congressional advocacy for the Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act, let us also thank President Obama for taking the initiative to offer this crucial recommendation to Congress.

Say “Thank you” to President Obama today!