A major debate continues in Congress concerning the fate of the 1.5 million acre coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in the northeastern corner of Alaska. The oil and gas industries argue that the Arctic Refuge should be made available for exploration, development, and production. Conservationists argue that it should be designated as wilderness to preserve the unique wilderness value of the area as well as to protect the habitat of the Porcupine Caribou herd and many other species. Wilderness protection for the Arctic Refuge is a top priority for environmentalists nationwide.

Senators William Roth (R-DE) and Max Baucus (D-MT) introduced legislation, S. 39, to designate the Arctic coastal plain as wilderness. It was approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on October 17, 1991 and currently has 25 co-sponsors. LCV has included co-sponsorship of S. 39 as a pro-environment position.