S.1519 - Arctic Refuge Protection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Arctic Refuge Protection Act of 2025, introduced as S. 1519 in the Senate, seeks to designate approximately 1,559,538 acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska as wilderness. This designation would place the area under the protection of the National Wilderness Preservation System, limiting development and preserving its natural state. The bill amends Section 4 of the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to include this designation.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to permanently protect a significant portion of ANWR from potential oil and gas development and other activities that could harm its ecological integrity. This would likely lead to increased conservation efforts and a focus on preserving the area's biodiversity. The bill's impact would be felt most strongly by industries seeking to exploit the region's natural resources and by those who value wilderness preservation.
Potential Benefits
- Environmental Preservation: Protects a large area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from development.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Helps maintain the natural habitat for various species.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Preserves a carbon sink and reduces potential for fossil fuel extraction.
- Recreational Opportunities: Ensures continued access for wilderness-based recreation.
- Indigenous Cultural Preservation: Protects areas of cultural significance to indigenous communities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Economic Impact: Limits potential oil and gas development, impacting revenue and job creation in Alaska.
- Energy Security: Reduces access to potential domestic energy resources.
- State Revenue: May decrease revenue for the State of Alaska, which relies on resource extraction.
- Access Restrictions: May limit access for certain activities, such as motorized recreation.
- Increased Land Management Costs: Could increase costs associated with managing the designated wilderness area.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Congress's power under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution to manage and regulate federal lands and property. The Property Clause grants Congress broad authority over federal lands, including the power to designate areas as wilderness. There are no apparent conflicts with individual rights enumerated in the Constitution, such as those in the Bill of Rights. The act does not appear to violate any specific constitutional provision.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).