Government Greenlights Polar Bear Disturbances for Alaskan Oil Drills
Published Date: 6/26/2025
Rule
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated rules to allow oil and gas companies to accidentally disturb (but not harm) polar bears and walruses during their work in northern Alaska until August 5, 2026. Now, companies can cause a bit more serious disturbance to polar bears than before, but no animals can be harmed or killed. This keeps energy projects moving while protecting these amazing Arctic animals.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Oil and Gas Work Allowed to Harass Bears/Walruses
If you operate oil or gas activities in the Beaufort Sea and adjacent northern Alaska, the rule lets companies accidentally disturb (harass) small numbers of polar bears (Southern Beaufort Sea stock) and Pacific walruses during year‑round work through August 5, 2026. The rule authorizes nonlethal, unintentional take by harassment so companies can continue exploration, development, production, and transportation activities in that area.
Polar Bears Protected From Lethal Take
The rule allows some nonlethal harassment but does not allow any animals to be harmed or killed: no lethal take of polar bears or walruses is authorized. It also adds authorization for incidental Level A harassment of polar bears in addition to the Level B harassment already allowed.
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