To:  Our Indiana Members of Congress and U.S. Senators Jim Banks and Todd Young

We, the constituents listed below, urge you to oppose oil and gas drilling on the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of America’s most cherished and pristine natural treasures. The Refuge deserves to remain unspoiled for future generations.

Drilling on the Coastal Plain would irreparably harm one of the world’s last great wilderness areas. The region is critical habitat for caribou herds, migratory birds, and other wildlife. It supports ecological systems that are vital not only to Alaska but also to the global environment. Migratory birds that depend on the Refuge travel through all fifty states and across six continents, making its protection a shared responsibility for all. Caribou herds rely on these lands to raise their young, and drilling would disturb these ancient ecosystems, risking their long-term survival.

Beyond the environmental impact, there is a strong economic case against drilling:

High Costs of Drilling: Extracting oil in the Arctic is one of the most expensive ventures in the industry due to its remote location, extreme weather conditions, and the need for specialized equipment. Given the global pivot toward renewable energy, oil prices are unlikely to reach the high levels needed to make Arctic drilling profitable, marking it as a poor long-term investment.
Uncertain Returns: Previous lease sales in the Arctic Refuge have demonstrated the lack of financial interest and viability. For example, the Trump administration’s first lease sale raised only $12 million—far below projections—and many bidders later withdrew, citing financial risks.
Declining Oil Industry in Alaska: Alaska’s oil production has been steadily declining over the years, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline now operates at only 25% capacity. Drilling in the Arctic Refuge will not reverse this trend or ensure energy security.
Limited Impact on Gas Prices: Domestic drilling in the Refuge is unlikely to lower gas prices for Americans, as U.S. oil is sold on the global market. Factors like international supply chains and geopolitical events continue to dictate gas prices.
Drilling in the Arctic Refuge is not only a costly and risky endeavor that squanders taxpayer dollars, but it also fails to provide meaningful benefits to the American people. Claims that such a program could offset billions in proposed tax cuts have been thoroughly debunked.

For these reasons, we strongly urge you to oppose any legislation that includes provisions for oil and gas drilling on the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Let us preserve this irreplaceable wilderness, ensuring its legacy for future generations to enjoy and protect.