Anchorage, AK

Defenders of Wildlife applauded the Department of Interior’s announcement that it will not proceed with three planned oil lease sales in Alaska’s Cook Inlet and the Gulf of Mexico. Nicole Whittington-Evans, Director of Alaska Program for Defenders of Wildlife, issued the following statement:

“This is a significant win not only for our climate but also for the conservation efforts to restore the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale population. We encourage the Biden administration to continue prioritizing our environment and a sustainable energy future in the face of the craven and opportunistic push by big oil and gas interests seeking to exploit the instability in energy markets brought about by the war in Ukraine.”

Cook Inlet beluga whale looking above water
Paul Wade/NOAA Fisheries

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

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