Summary
Creates the Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area to protect its ecosystem and the native communities that depend on it from the effects of climate change.
What problem does this solve?
Climate change is melting sea ice in the Arctic, which harms the unique ecosystem and threatens the traditional way of life for Alaska Native communities. This order creates a protected area to conserve the region, stops new oil and gas leasing, and makes sure tribes have a voice in decisions.
What does this order do?
Creates the Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area
Defines a specific geographic area in the Bering Sea for special protection and management to help it withstand the effects of climate change.
Stops new oil and gas leasing
Withdraws the Norton Basin and parts of the St. Matthew-Hall planning areas from any future oil or gas leasing, exploration, or production.
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Task Force on the Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area
Forms a federal task force
Establishes a task force with members from many government agencies to coordinate all U.S. activities in the protected area.
Creates a tribal advisory council
Requires the task force to create a council of Alaska Native tribal leaders to provide input and recommendations on managing the area.
Requires use of traditional knowledge
Makes it official policy for all government agencies to consider the traditional knowledge of Alaska Native tribes when making decisions about the region.
Manages shipping routes and pollution
Directs the U.S. Coast Guard to study shipping routes to make them safer for the environment and to recommend ways to reduce pollution from ships.
Updates oil spill plans
Requires the U.S. Coast Guard to update its oil spill response plans for the area and provide training for local communities.
Who does this affect?
- Alaska Native tribes
- Oil and gas industry
- Shipping industry
What is the real world impact?
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Protects a unique ecosystem and culture
Creates a special area to protect the animals, plants, and water of the Northern Bering Sea. It also helps preserve the subsistence culture of Alaska Native tribes who rely on the environment for food and their way of life.
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Includes indigenous voices in government decisions
Establishes a council of tribal leaders to give advice to federal agencies. This ensures that the traditional knowledge and needs of the local people are considered when making rules for the area.
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Limits future oil and gas drilling
Stops the government from selling new leases for oil and gas exploration in key parts of the region. This is a major step to prevent potential oil spills and reduce the industrial impact on a sensitive area.
When does this start?
This order took effect on December 9, 2016, and sets several deadlines for government agencies to complete specific tasks.
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The Bering Intergovernmental Tribal Advisory Council
Tribal Advisory Council established
The Bering Task Force must create the Bering Intergovernmental Tribal Advisory Council within 6 months of the order (by June 9, 2017).
Vessel pollution recommendations
The Bering Task Force must provide recommendations on how to reduce pollution from ships within 9 months of the order (by September 9, 2017).
Shipping route study findings
The U.S. Coast Guard must publish its initial findings for its port access route study no later than December 30, 2016.
International shipping route proposal
The U.S. Coast Guard must submit any proposed shipping routes to the International Maritime Organization for adoption by 2018.