Balanced News: Gwich’in celebrate cancellation of oil exploration leases in Alaska’s Arctic refuge

The Biden administration has canceled seven oil exploration leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a significant victory for the Gwich’in people who consider the area sacred and the breeding grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd. While the decision allows for further efforts to permanently protect the refuge, it would require an act of Congress. Gwich’in and environmental allies are concerned about the potential impact of industrial development on the caribou population. The leases were issued by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management during the Trump administration, and the state-run Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority plans to challenge the decision in court.