Democrats Criticize Biden’s Failed Climate Promises in Approving Alaska Willow Oil Project

The Biden administration’s decision to approve a 30-year oil-drilling project has sparked criticism from Democrats—and particularly progressives—from both chambers of Congress.

ConocoPhillips, the oil giant, was approved by the Department of the Interior (DOI), Monday. The Willow Project will allow ConocoPhillips’ to continue with its drilling plan in a northeastern part of the 23,000,000 acres of the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska (NPR–A). The company estimates that the project will produce more than 600 million barrels equivalent of oil per year over its 30-year lifespan.

Four progressive lawmakers—Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.)—criticized the decision in a joint statement on March 13.

“The Biden administration has committed to fighting climate change and advancing environmental justice—today’s decision to approve the Willow project fails to live up to those promises,” The group wrote.

“Their decision ignores the voices of the people of Nuiqsut, our frontline communities, and the irrefutable science that says we must stop building projects like this to slow the ever more devastating impacts of climate change.”

Although the four lawmakers stated that they supported the administration’s plans to save nearly 16,000,000 acres of Alaskan lands and water, they said that it was not their intention. “split decisions in the face of the climate crisis are not good enough.

“This administration clearly knows what the path to a cleaner and more just future looks like—we wish they hadn’t chosen to stray so far from that path with today’s Willow decision,” the group added. “There is no Willow project that is acceptable.”

While giving the green light to the Willow Project, the Biden administration also said it will take action to indefinitely bar future drilling on about 2.8 million acres in the Arctic Ocean nearshore the NPR-A, and 13 million acres of the NPR-A.

The group of Democrats pointed to the environmental impact caused by the project’s carbon dioxide emissions, and argued that it also “This poses a serious health and safety risk to Alaska Natives as well as local communities.” according to the statement.

On March 3, Grijalva, who is the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, led a group of lawmakers in sending a letter (pdf) to President Joe Biden urging him to reject the Willow project.

Some Democratic Approval

Not all Democrats are against the Willow Project, however.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued a statement applauding the administration’s decision.

“This is a critical and long-awaited step towards increasing American energy security.” Manchin wrote. “We must ensure that our vast natural resources are responsibly developed if we wish to keep our position as the world’s superpower, capable of supporting our allies worldwide.”

Manchin wrote that the “Torturous, almost five-year-old” permitting process for the Willow project indicated that permitting reform is essential.

“This is a well-informed decision that will benefit Alaska and all of America. I will continue to work alongside the Administration to support commonsense energy security projects, such as these, that create high-paying jobs for Americans and preserve America’s place on the global stage.” he wrote.

Rep. Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) took to Twitter to say that the Biden administration “You made the right decision and chose real energy progress over absoluteism.”

“Thank you to my Democratic colleagues for helping me advocate for a meeting between the White House and I am grateful.” Peltola continued. “We could have seen an uneconomical outcome without their support and the open mind of the President. [Record of Decision] today.”

Peltola added, “I am also grateful for the strong bipartisan effort of Alaskans, which includes organized labor and the entire state legislature. Willow is moving forward. It’s up to us now to seize this chance.”

A project description (pdf) from ConocoPhillips states that the project should lead to the creation of up to 2,000 jobs during construction and around 300 permanent jobs in the operation phase, while generating revenues of up to $17 billion for federal, state, and local governments.

Republicans Criticize Drilling Ban

The approval of the Willow Project has drawn mixed reactions from Republicans, with some criticizing the administration for wanting to put new bans on future oil and gas development across nearly 16 million acres in Alaska.

“It is disgraceful to think that this compromise will bring America benefits.” said Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, according to a statement.

“It won’t reduce global oil consumption if Alaska stops producing future oil. It will only shift the market and give power to producers in countries with lower standards for the environment or human rights.” Dunleavy added. “Every American will pay the price when President Biden limits our ability to develop our energy resources.”

Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, issued a statement criticizing the Biden administration for “They want to have all their cake and eat too” by approving the Willow Project while aiming for new drilling restrictions in Alaska.

“Our dependence on foreign oil should be reduced and energy costs should be lower for American families.” Westerman said. “The global fossil fuel consumption continues its growth from sources that are more polluting than American-made energy.

“These jobs and profits could be going to hardworking Americans and their communities while also making the environment cleaner.”