Federal authorities will finalize the review of oil leasing in Alaska without seeking public input
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), part of the Interior Department, has announced plans to conduct a supplemental review on potential harms to endangered beluga whales in Alaska's Cook Inlet. This decision comes following a federal judge's order in 2021, after BOEM was found to have violated environmental laws by not evaluating the cumulative impacts oil and gas activity in the area could have on the whales.
The review, scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Thursday, will focus on reevaluating the potential harms to the endangered beluga whales from an oil and gas lease sale in the Cook Inlet. The Cook Inlet, Alaska's oldest producing oil and gas basin, is home to approximately 331 beluga whales, according to NOAA Fisheries.
In a surprising turn of events, BOEM has decided not to publish a draft version of the analysis or offer an opportunity for public comment on the analysis. This decision contrasts with their previous statement in April, where they had indicated a draft version would be made available and public comment would be encouraged.
The supplemental environmental impact statement was ordered by Judge Sharon Gleason, a federal judge in Alaska. The review is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.
This development is significant as it highlights the ongoing efforts to protect endangered species and ensure the sustainability of Alaska's natural resources. The Cook Inlet, rich in oil and gas reserves, is a crucial ecosystem for the beluga whales, and it is essential to strike a balance between resource extraction and conservation.
Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing story.
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