Arctic Refuge Protection Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 29, 2025
Bottom line
The bill seeks to permanently protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain from oil and gas development by repealing prior authorization and designating it as wilderness.
What it actually does
This bill repeals the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) oil and gas program established by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It further designates approximately 1.56 million acres of the ANWR coastal plain as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, thereby permanently protecting it from oil and gas development and other industrial activities.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is essential for protecting a vital and fragile Arctic ecosystem, preserving indigenous cultural heritage, and aligning with climate goals by preventing further fossil fuel extraction in a sensitive area. They emphasize the ecological significance of the coastal plain as a calving ground for caribou, a denning habitat for polar bears, and a critical area for migratory birds.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that repealing the oil and gas program and designating the area as wilderness would forgo significant domestic energy production, reduce federal and state revenue, and hinder economic opportunities for Alaska, particularly for some indigenous communities who support responsible development. They argue that modern drilling techniques can minimize environmental impact.
The bill text is very short and easy to read, allowing for quick comprehension of its core provisions.
Section 2
Repeal of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Oil and Gas Program
This section directly repeals Section 20001 of Public Law 115-97, commonly known as the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act." This action eliminates the legal authority for oil and gas leasing and development within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) coastal plain, effectively reversing a key provision of the 2017 tax law that opened the area to drilling.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that repealing the program is crucial for protecting the fragile Arctic ecosystem from industrialization, preserving wildlife habitats, and upholding environmental commitments. They contend that the potential environmental damage from drilling outweighs any economic benefits.
Critics contend
Opponents assert that repealing the program undermines energy independence, eliminates a source of federal and state revenue, and disregards the economic needs of Alaska, particularly those communities that support responsible resource development. They argue that the program was designed to balance development with environmental protection.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances environmental conservation and climate action against domestic energy production, federal and state revenue generation, and economic development in Alaska.
Section 3
Designation of Additional Wilderness, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
This section designates approximately 1,559,538 acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This designation would permanently protect the area from most forms of development, including oil and gas extraction, and ensure its administration under the strict conservation guidelines of the Wilderness Act, similar to existing wilderness areas within ANWR.