On June 12, 2024, environmental groups petitioned the U.S. Department of Interior to review the climate impacts of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) and develop a plan for its "managed phasedown." Key organizations involved include the Center for Biological Diversity and Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic. These groups argue that the last environmental analysis, conducted over 20 years ago, is outdated given rapid Arctic warming and the protected status of species like polar bears.
The 800-mile pipeline, operational since 1977, is a critical component of Alaska's economy. While it currently transports approximately 470,000 barrels of oil per day, this is significantly reduced from its peak of 2 million barrels per day in the late 1980s. Despite new developments like ConocoPhillips' Willow project, which could produce up to 180,000 barrels per day, environmentalists contend that continued oil flow exacerbates climate change.
The petition requests a range of options for evaluation, including not renewing TAPS' right-of-way or issuing shorter term permits to allow for ongoing re-evaluation and potential limits on oil flow. Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., the operator, emphasized its commitment to safe and environmentally responsible operations. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, part of the Interior, is yet to comment.
Environmental groups maintain that a phasedown of TAPS is essential for mitigating climate impacts and safeguarding Arctic communities and wildlife.