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Designates about 1,559,538 acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska as wilderness and adds that acreage to the National Wilderness Preservation System. The area to be protected is identified on a map dated October 20, 2015 (Map ID 03–0172) available for inspection in the Secretary’s offices. The designation creates the highest level of long-term federal land protection under the Wilderness Act, restricting most development, road building, and new mineral leasing while preserving natural conditions and traditional uses consistent with wilderness rules.
Amends Section 4 of the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 by adding a new paragraph (p).
Designates a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska comprising approximately 1,559,538 acres as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System under the Wilderness Act.
Specifies the designated area is described as shown on a map dated October 20, 2015, labeled Map ID 03–0172.
Requires the map showing the designated area to be available for inspection in the offices of the Secretary and names the area 'Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Coastal Plain Proposed Wilderness'.
Who is affected and how:
Arctic indigenous communities and nearby local residents: These communities rely on the land for subsistence hunting, fishing, and cultural uses. Wilderness designation preserves habitat and many traditional uses but can restrict motorized access or infrastructure that some subsistence activities have used; management agencies typically work to accommodate valid subsistence needs within wilderness rules.
Wildlife and ecosystems: The designation provides strong, long-term protections for habitat, migration corridors, and ecological processes, reducing threats from development and industrial activity.
Federal land managers (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Secretary): Must manage the newly designated lands under the Wilderness Act and refuge laws, update plans, and enforce restrictions on development, access, and extractive activities.
Energy and mineral interests: Oil, gas, and mineral development prospects within the designated boundary are effectively blocked or severely limited, affecting potential future exploration and leasing.
Outdoor recreation and visitors: Recreation that relies on motorized access or permanent facilities will be limited; non-motorized recreation (hiking, wildlife viewing) continues and may be emphasized.
State and local governments and private stakeholders: Land-use planning, emergency access, and any infrastructure proposals in or adjacent to the designated area will be subject to the constraints of wilderness status, potentially changing local economic and infrastructure plans.
Legal and administrative outcomes: The designation may prompt updates to refuge management plans, require consultations with tribes, and could lead to legal challenges from parties opposing the prohibition of resource development.
Overall effect: The measure creates permanent conservation protections that prioritize ecological integrity and limit development, while requiring federal managers to balance those protections with subsistence and other legally recognized uses.
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Introduced April 29, 2025 by Edward John Markey · Last progress April 29, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Introduced in Senate