National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A)
Integrated Activity Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (IAP/EIS)

BLM is Developing a Plan for All of NPR-A

The BLM is developing an IAP/EIS for the entire NPR-A. This document updates and replaces the current plans for the northeastern and northwestern part of the Reserve and would for the first time provide a plan for the southern-most part of the area.  The single plan willl provide greater management consistency throughout the Petroleum Reserve.

The BLM issued a Draft IAP/EIS on March 30 and concluded its public comment period on the document and its associated subsistence impact analysis (per ANILCA 810) on June 15, 2012.  Some issues analyzed in the Draft IAP/EIS included: oil and gas leasing; impacts of development, such as those on caribou, birds, subsistence, and public health; climate change; and protection of threatened and endangered species.  

Copies of the Draft IAP/EIS are available online; paper and CD versions may also be requested. 

The BLM is now analyzing the comments received from the public and various government agencies and other stakeholders.  The agency is also developing a Preferred Alternative.  The BLM will issue a Final IAP/EIS in November 2012 and anticipates issuing a Record of Decision the following month.