Protect Polar Bears in the Arctic Refuge
Polar bears and many other species of wildlife depend on the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for their survival. This landscape is one of the most ecologically significant and culturally sacred places in North America, and industrial activity there would cause irreversible harm.
Development in the refuge threatens species already under pressure, particularly polar bears, whose denning habitats can be destroyed by exploration and infrastructure, and who face increased risks from spills and industrial contaminants. The refuge also supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife found nowhere else in the Arctic.
Tell oil companies—including BP, Chevron and ExxonMobil—that you want polar bears and other Arctic wildlife protected from oil and gas development and to choose NOT to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
I am writing to urge your company not to pursue oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This landscape is one of the most ecologically significant and culturally sacred places in North America, and industrial activity there would cause irreversible harm.
Development in the refuge threatens species already under pressure, particularly polar bears, whose denning habitats can be destroyed by exploration and infrastructure, and who face increased risks from spills and industrial contaminants. The refuge also supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife found nowhere else in the Arctic.
For the Gwich'in people, the Arctic Coastal Plain is "the sacred place where life begins." Protecting this land is not only an environmental responsibility—it is a matter of respecting Indigenous rights, culture, and food security.
Public opposition to drilling in the refuge remains strong, and companies that choose to move forward risk significant reputational harm. By declining to bid on leases, your company has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and respect for both people and wildlife.
I urge you to stand on the right side of this issue and commit to keeping the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge free from oil and gas development.
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