Proposed Polar Bear Harassment Authorization for BP Work in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The notice would allow BP to unintentionally disturb, but not injure or kill, up to three Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears during cleanup and monitoring work near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027. The work includes drone site surveys, water monitoring, debris removal, backfilling, and revegetation at the Foggy Island Bay State No. 1 gravel pad. Businesses, local communities, Tribes, environmental groups, and agencies can comment on the proposed authorization and draft environmental assessment by July 10, 2026.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Proposes a one-year authorization for BP activities that may incidentally disturb up to three Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears.
- Limits the authorization to Level B harassment only, with no injury or mortality expected or allowed.
- Opens a public comment period on the proposed authorization and draft environmental assessment through July 10, 2026.
Obligations
What this law requires
Comments submitted by unauthorized methods or sent to addresses not listed in the notice will not be considered.
Comments on the proposed incidental harassment authorization and draft environmental assessment must be received by July 10, 2026.
Each comment submission must include docket number FWS-R7-ES-2025-0506.
Electronic comments must be submitted through regulations.gov before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 10, 2026.
If finalized, BP may only take up to three Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears by Level B harassment during the authorized activities and authorization period.