Biden admin U-turns on Trump policy, cancels Arctic refuge oil leases

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
7 Sep 2023 08:14

The Biden administration has canceled the seven remaining oil and gas leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), triggering strong reactions from Republicans and environmentalists alike.

Caribou graze in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, on June 1, 2001 (AP)

The Biden administration has stirred controversy by canceling the remaining oil and gas leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and proposing increased protections against development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

This move follows the approval of the Willow oil project earlier this year, which disappointed some environmental groups and was met with criticism. It is worth noting that litigation over the Willow project is ongoing.

US President Joe Biden justified these actions by claiming the need to protect Alaska's natural wonders and addressing the urgent climate crisis. However, Alaska's Republican governor expressed strong opposition and threatened legal action. Additionally, concerns were raised about the potential negative impact on Indigenous communities in the region, where oil development is a significant economic driver.

During the 2020 elections, Joe #Biden vowed that he will not approve any new leases for oil and gas projects on federal lands, but these promises were forgotten as the Biden administration approved the #WillowProject on Monday. pic.twitter.com/hS0oFewtCL
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) March 15, 2023

"Alaska is home to many of America’s most breathtaking natural wonders and culturally significant areas. As the climate crisis warms the Arctic more than twice as fast as the rest of the world, we have a responsibility to protect this treasured region for all ages," Biden said in a statement.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who faced criticism for her involvement in approving the Willow project, asserted that drilling for oil in environmentally sensitive areas would not be permitted, but a 2017 law mandates another lease sale by late 2024, which the administration intends to follow.

Meanwhile, US Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat, using a common shorthand for the refuge, said, "I am deeply frustrated by the reversal of these leases in ANWR."

"This administration showed that it is capable of listening to Alaskans with the approval of the Willow Project, and it is some of those same Inupiat North Slope communities who are most impacted by this decision. I will continue to advocate for them and for Alaska’s ability to explore and develop our natural resources," Peltola added.

Furthermore, the Biden administration introduced proposed rules to enhance protections against new leasing and development in specific areas of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska with unique ecological and cultural significance. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge's coastal plain, vital to the Indigenous Gwich'in people, was highlighted as a sacred area and critical for wildlife, including caribou, migratory birds, polar bears, and wolves.

While some Alaskan leaders have advocated for oil and gas drilling in ANWR due to its economic benefits, drilling opponents are urging Congress to repeal the leasing provision from the 2017 law and permanently protect the coastal plain from drilling.