Biden Administration Moves to Block Proposed Ambler Road

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today the Biden administration blocked a controversial proposal backed by mining companies to build a road across more than 200 miles of Alaska wilderness.

The Ambler Road is a proposed 211-mile-long industrial access road sought by mining groups to facilitate operations in remote wilderness in Alaska. The proposed route is at the front doorstep of one of the most well-preserved national parks, Gates of the Arctic National Park. While the proposed private road had the backing of industrial groups, local communities along the proposed route were overwhelmingly opposed to its construction.

The fate of the road has been in question for years. Mining companies urged the Trump administration to approve construction, while President Biden sought input from impacted communities before ultimately moving to block the proposal.

In response, Sierra Club's Director of Conservation Dan Ritzman issued the following statement:

"The Ambler Road would have caused significant harm to Alaskan landscapes and the local communities and wildlife that rely on them. The industrial corridor would have cut through the migration route of the Western Arctic Caribou Herd, causing irreversible declines in the herd. Communities along the proposed route of the road made their voices clear in opposing this damaging project, and the Biden Administration was correct to listen to them."

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.