Ambler Mining Road — Threatening Alaska’s Wildlands

Federal Approval Reinstated:  Trump signed orders in January, 2025 and October, 2025 reinstating federal approvals for the Ambler Mining Road. This 211-mile industrial route would run through remote Alaskan roadless areas including Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. 

Previously Suspended:  The Biden administration had previously suspended the project due to environmental and tribal concerns. 

Congressional Review Act:  On September 3, 2025, the House passed Congressional Review Act resolutions to overturn the Central Yukon Resource Management Plan — a Biden-era plan covering over 13 million acres in Alaska. If passed by the Senate and signed into law by Trump (which is expected), this will end protections that currently block development of the Ambler Mining Road.  

Pandora's Box:  Experts warn that this unprecedented use of the Congressional Review Act to throw out resource management plans (RMPs) could have severe unintended consequences. They worry that it could result in legal challenges to older RMPs and destabilization of public land management. 

Massive Impacts to Water and Fish:  It would cross 11 major river systems and thousands of smaller rivers, streams, and wetlands. It would require 48 bridges and roughly 3,000 culverts. It would potentially devastate fish habitat for species like the Chinook salmon.

Wildlife Impact:  The road would cut through sensitive caribou habitat and subsistence lands. 

Local Native Opposition:  The Tanana Chiefs Conference, representing 39 Interior villages and 37 federally recognized tribes, opposes the road. They say:

The Ambler Road will pierce the heart of the hunting and fishing lands that our people have depended on for thousands of years.

Organization To Support:  A coalition of nonprofits called Defend Brooks Range is vigorously opposing the project. Please follow them on social media and support their efforts.