The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released details of a new proposal from ConocoPhillips seeking to expand exploration activities in Alaska’s Western Arctic, launching a short one-week public comment period that has drawn attention from environmental groups and local observers.
According to BLM’s announcement, the plan outlines new test drilling operations, additional seismic studies, and related exploration work near the region encompassing the company’s large-scale Willow Project, located in the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska (NPR-A).
The public comment period, significantly shorter than typical federal review windows, has prompted concern from watchdog groups who say communities and stakeholders may not have sufficient time to weigh in on the potential effects of expanded industrial activity.
Read More: Arctic Drilling Expansion Sparks Fierce Public Backlash
The proposal comes as winter approaches, a season when ice roads and frozen terrain allow companies to move equipment and begin exploration work across the Arctic landscape.
BLM encourages the public to review the proposal and submit comments through the agency’s official planning portal. Once the comment period closes, federal regulators will determine the next steps in the environmental review process.
News Source: The Alaska Cemter
