BLM extends public comment deadline for NPR-A rule change

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has extended the public comment period for a proposed rule change in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

While the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska or NPR-A has been under the spotlight as efforts to develop the Willow Project continue, BLM has been seeking public input on proposed rule changes centered around management of resources in the reserve.

Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis announced a 20 day extension for the public comment period after discussions with tribal leaders, Alaska Native corporations and other groups concluded.

The rule changes, originally announced in March, would establish a new framework for balancing development in certain parts of the reserve with protecting interests in subsistence and recreational activities, as well as environmental interests. The rule proposal comes as an update to current management strategies, which were last updated in the 1980′s. According to the BLM, the changes would help address changing conditions in the arctic.

The deadline to provide comment on the rule changes is Dec. 7.

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