Biden indefinitely blocks oil drilling on millions of acres of federal land
The Interior Department released a statement saying that President Biden “continues to deliver on America’s most aggressive climate agenda” with these actions. He has made America a magnet for clean-energy manufacturing and jobs. He secured record investments for climate resilience and environmental justice.
The statement said that Trump’s economic agenda had put the United States on track to meet its climate goals of 2030 and 2050. It also reduced America’s dependence on oil and protected American families against the effects of Putin’s wars on global energy markets.
According to the agency, the administration will limit future oil production in Teshekpuk Lake and Utukok Uplands as well as Colville River, Kasegaluk Lagoon and other areas of Peard Bay that are known for their rich wildlife population. The department announced that it would stop the construction of certain fossil fuel pipelines in northern Alaska.
This announcement comes as regulators make a decision on whether to approve the controversial Willow project worth $8 billion, which is part of the oil reserve’s petroleum reserve.
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ConocoPhillips’ CEO, who is pushing the plan, warned President Joe Biden about the dangers of blocking or shrinking the project in Alaska. This would harm the president’s demand for more Big Oil production.
Biden administration officials, along with many Democrats in Congress, have criticised oil and gas companies for not producing more energy to meet high prices over the past year. They also criticize federal lessees for failing to exploit more of their oil and gas leases or drilling permits.
Protestors have protested against Willow’s construction, citing environmental concerns. As Biden considers his 2024 reelection bid he must make a huge decision. Either upset ConocoPhillips, which could scare Big Oil, or alienate environmental activists who are many of the young voters who helped him win the presidency in 2020.
The White House said Sunday’s changes were crucial to ensure that habitats important for wildlife such as whales, seals and polar bears are protected from extraction.
The fate of Willow will be decided by the Bureau of Land Management, Interior Department.
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