Biden administration keeps restrictions on 28 million acres in Alaska

(The Center Square) - Alaska tribes and environmental groups praised a decision by the Biden administration to keep protections on 28 million acres of land.

The Trump administration announced late in the former president's term that it would withdraw restrictions on the land. The Biden administration halted the withdrawal, opened the issue up for public comment and held 19 community meetings, according to a news release from the Bureau of Land Management. The department received more than 15,000 comments.

“Tribal consultation must be treated as a requirement – not an option – when the federal government is making decisions that could irrevocably affect Tribal communities," said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. "I am grateful to the team at the Bureau of Land Management for taking the time to ensure that we approached this decision with the benefit of feedback from Alaska Native communities, and to the Tribal leaders who shared with us the impact that a potential revocation of the withdrawals would have on their people."

The decision affects a large swath of land, including the department's Bay, Bering Sea-Western Interior, East Alaska, Kobuk-Seward Peninsula and Ring of Fire planning areas, according to the news release .

Anaan’arar Sophie Swope, executive director of the Mother Kuskokwim Tribal Coalition, hopes the bureau will take further action.

"We are grateful to Secretary Haaland for these protections and hope for further BLM action to include and reign in the dangerous and destructive Donlin Gold project’s 315-mile pipeline," Swope said in a statement. "These actions would ensure future generations’ ability to safely live on the land while carrying our customary and traditional knowledge.”

Gov. Mike Dunleavy's office did not immediately respond to a message from The Center Square seeking comment.