Arctic Refuge Protection Act

Summary#

This bill would repeal Section 20001 of Public Law 115-97, which established an oil and gas program for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) coastal plain. It would also designate about 1,559,538 acres of the ANWR coastal plain as wilderness. The designated area is described by a map titled "Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Coastal Plain Proposed Wilderness" (dated October 20, 2015, Map ID 03-0172). The Secretary of the Interior would manage the new wilderness area under the Wilderness Act.

What it means for you#

If this bill becomes law, the ANWR coastal plain oil and gas program created by section 20001 of Public Law 115-97 would be repealed. The coastal plain area named in the bill would be added to the National Wilderness Preservation System and managed according to the Wilderness Act. The bill identifies the area by acreage and a specific map for the boundary.

Expenses#

The bill text does not include cost estimates, funding instructions, or budgetary detail. No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill states its purpose is to preserve the Arctic coastal plain as wilderness in recognition of its "extraordinary natural ecosystems" and for the permanent good of present and future generations of Americans.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.