The U.S. Senate passed a budget resolution by a vote of 51 to 49 Oct. 20, putting the calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd situated within the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge at risk of being opened to exploration and development.
"We understand the issue is complex and there are many perspectives to consider, but in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of our children and future generations, we must stand together like we have all these years to seek wilderness protection of the calving grounds," stated Bobbie Jo Greenland-Morgan, president of the GTC, in a news release.
An amendment to remove the concerning language, according to the Gwich'in Tribal Council, was defeated by a vote of 52 to 48.
