In the midst of concerns about Russian aggression in Ukraine, inflation, and the impact all these worries have, the Interior Department has suspended the right of way for the Ambler Road project in Alaska. Citing “serious deficiencies” in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) written under the previous administration to give mining companies the right to transgress Native land, it has gone to court to ask for a new EIS.
The proposed project to benefit three mining companies would impinge on one of the largest roadless areas in Alaska. The Tanana Chiefs Council, representing 42 Native communities, endorsed the new decision because the proposed road would cut across 11 river systems and hundreds of bridges and thousands of culverts as well as inhibiting caribou migration upon which the Native peoples depend.
Needless to say, the forces of greed are upset for all they see is profit for companies that care not one wit for the environment or the Native peoples. The previous EIS discounted the proposed road’s impact on the environment. Let us hope that the court will require a new EIS so the unspoiled beauty of this wilderness will be saved.
Prayer for the Day
Standing before you, O Creator of mountains, rivers, and streams,
We acknowledge we have nor cared for all your creatures;
Holding the future of your creation in our hands, O Judge of all we do,
We seek to redeem ourselves by reversing damage already done.
Grant us the vision and courage to take on the forces of greed
That would destroy so much for the benefit of corporations.
In the name of the One who walked among us,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The light in Alaska in particular is so incredible. Incredibly beautiful! So incredibly beautiful.
- Sebastian Salgado, photographer
I chose to document the lives of people living in a remote village in Alaska called Shishmaref because there we ca literally see how climate change is affecting their homes, livelihood, and ultimately their lives.
- Amy J. Berg, documentary film maker
Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments like the great deep
You save humans and animals alike, O Lord.
Psalm 36: 5-6