The Biden-Harris Administration has halted oil drilling on 28 million acres of public lands, a decision that echoes the administration’s commitment to combating climate change but has stirred considerable debate.
At a Glance
- The Biden administration will cancel oil leases sold by the Trump administration in an Alaskan wildlife refuge.
- The administration plans to block new drilling across millions of acres in Alaska.
- The decision has sparked conflict with Republicans over access to fossil fuels on federal land.
- Drilling prohibition affects an area the size of Switzerland within Alaska’s petroleum reserve.
- Sixteen oil and gas leases canceled in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
Cancellation of Trump-Era Oil Leases
The Biden-Harris Administration canceled the remaining oil and gas leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), reversing a move by the Trump Administration to promote fossil fuel extraction in the region. This step is part of Biden’s larger goal to protect public lands and reduce climate change impacts. This decision aligns with the administration’s broader agenda to shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources.
The policy is expected to restrict future oil and gas drilling across 28 million acres of federal lands, with 13 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska being specifically protected. This reserve is home to several valuable wildlife species such as caribou, polar bears, and numerous bird species.
Environmental and Economic Repercussions
The decision received both praise and criticism. Environmental and tribal advocates applauded the move, considering it vital for Indigenous rights and environmental justice. On the other hand, Alaska’s Republican governor and some Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns over the economic impacts on local Indigenous communities, who rely on the revenues and jobs generated by oil drilling projects.
“The Biden administration will cancel oil leases sold by the Trump administration in an Alaskan wildlife refuge and block new drilling in millions of acres in the state, setting up a new brawl with Republicans over access to fossil fuels on federal land,” as reported by Politico.
Drilling opponents are pushing Congress to repeal the 2017 leasing provision to permanently protect the coastal plain. Meanwhile, the Department of Interior is proposing strong protection measures to prevent development in sensitive areas of the Arctic, part of an effort to preserve these regions for future generations.
US President Joe Biden has suspended oil and gas drilling leases in Alaska’s Arctic refuge, reversing a flagship Trump policy, while an environmental review is carried out.
@KateFisherTV reportshttps://t.co/Y4zFwONOwF— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) June 2, 2021
Impact on Future Leasing
Despite the temporary halt, a 2017 law requires the administration to offer new leases by late 2024, adding complexity to the administration’s aim. Overall, the Biden-Harris Administration has emphasized the importance of preserving lands and ecosystems while promoting renewable energy alternatives to address climate change.
“It is nearly impossible to overstate the importance of today’s announcements for Arctic conservation,” said Jamie Williams, president of the Wilderness Society. “Once again, the Arctic Refuge is free of oil leases. Our climate is a bit safer and there is renewed hope for permanently protecting one of the last great wild landscapes in America.”
The administration’s actions are part of a broad review of the Department of Interior’s programs. This includes suspending new oil and gas leasing and drilling permits for 60 days in U.S. lands and waters to review and possibly reform policies. Exceptions to this suspension exist for senior Interior officials to approve specific actions.
