Polar bears already in danger of extinction could be legally killed by private oil-drilling projects in northern Alaska amid new regulations proposed by President Donald Trump‘s oil lease program, the New York Post reports.
The regulations, which are awaiting approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, would permit the “incidental, unintentional take” of a small number of polar bears, as well as Pacific walruses, in a critical habitat by energy companies who then wouldn’t face legal consequences. “Take” is a broad legal term that includes all forms of killing or harassment and, although the proposal doesn’t authorize the killings, it does protect the companies from facing legal issues in situations where the bears or walruses do die in connection with their work, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conceded during its review.
Situations could arise where polar bear cubs are abandoned if their mothers are scared off by the drilling activities, as well as walruses being trampled to death in a stampede caused by the threat of human activity. The proposal is pending approval prior to the auction of oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which serves as the home to more than 300 species, set for June 5 and will be part of Trump’s plan to expand oil and gas drilling in Alaska.
The Interior Department said that planning of animals, including polar bear cubs, wasn’t planned, but didn’t deny that it could be a possible outcome.
“The regulation includes strict mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements designed to minimize impacts and protect these species while allowing lawful energy activities to proceed,” a rep told the New York Post. “No lethal take of polar bears or Pacific walruses is anticipated for the proposed activities, including cubs.”
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