A Reprieve for Teshekpuk Lake

Posted by Rosemary Drisdelle Sep 30, 2006

Just a few weeks ago, I wrote that the future of Teshekpuk Lake looked grim. An ecologically sensitive area protected from the ravages of oil drilling for decades, Teshekpuk Lake was about to be opened up to oil exploration and development. Thousands of birds, some of them endangered species, and many other plant and animal species were threatened. An oil lease sale was set for Sept 27, 2006.

Good news! In response to a suit brought by the Audubon Society, the Alaska Wilderness League, and others, Judge James K. Singleton Jr. ordered the lease sale be cancelled. The US District Court Judge found that the analysis of environmental impact was inadequate and did not satisfy legal requirements. His decision was issued on Sept 25. For now at least, the Teshekpuk Lake area is safe – pipelines and drilling pads will not be appearing there any time soon.

Read the Audubon press release.

Related posts:

The National Audubon Society is Trying to Save Teshekpuk Lake

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