In a bold move to protect wildlife and combat climate change, the Biden administration announced on Friday that it will restrict new oil and gas leasing on 13 million acres of federal petroleum reserve in Alaska. This decision, which finalizes protections first proposed last year, aims to safeguard species such as caribou and polar bears as the Arctic region continues to warm.
The approval of the controversial Willow oil project drew criticism from environmentalists, who argued that it contradicted President Biden’s commitment to addressing climate change. The administration’s latest decision also upholds a previous plan to close nearly half of the reserve to oil and gas leasing.
Republican lawmakers, including Alaska U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, condemned the drilling limitations, calling them an “illegal” attack on the state’s economic well-being. They warned of potential lawsuits and accused the administration of undermining U.S. national security interests.
In addition to the restrictions on oil and gas leasing, the Biden administration recommended rejecting a state corporation’s application for a proposed 210-mile road in the northwest part of the state to allow mining of critical mineral deposits. This move was seen as an olive branch to environmentalists who have long advocated for the protection of Alaska’s pristine landscapes.
Despite criticism from political leaders in Alaska, President Biden defended his decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting the state’s natural resources and indigenous communities. The petroleum reserve, home to diverse wildlife and vital habitats, has been a subject of debate for decades, with conflicting views on how development should proceed.
Environmentalists welcomed the administration’s decision, praising it as a crucial step towards preserving the Arctic’s unique ecosystems. The ongoing legal battle over the Willow oil project underscores the complex challenges of balancing economic interests with environmental conservation in Alaska’s vast wilderness.