
Meet the backpacker making Trump's Arctic drilling push go viral
Bentley Hensel prepared for eight months to show people the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge—and nearly drowned while doing it.
A lone backpacker, identified as Bentley Hensel, has issued an urgent plea from the remote Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska, drawing attention to proposed oil drilling in the region. Hensel, equipped with heavy gear, recorded a video from Section 1002 of the coastal plain, an area he states is a target for drilling. In his message, Hensel emphasized the pristine nature of the refuge and the potential environmental devastation that drilling could cause. "This is pretty much the marker of the coastal plain, Section 1002 of ANWR. That's where Trump wants to drill, real bad," he stated, highlighting the political dimension of the issue. Hensel, who has spent months planning his expedition to the remote area, is now seeking to connect with media, press, and elected officials to amplify his message. He expressed willingness to conduct live broadcasts and interviews, leveraging his Starlink internet connection from the wilderness. "I just want to get the message out that we should not drill this," Hensel concluded, urging public support to protect the refuge.
Bentley Hensel prepared for eight months to show people the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge—and nearly drowned while doing it.