Biden cancels 7 Trump oil leases in Arctic.
The Biden Administration Cancels Oil and Gas Leases in Alaska
The Biden administration made a significant announcement on Wednesday, revealing its decision to cancel seven oil and gas leases in Alaska that were issued during the Trump administration. This move by the Department of the Interior is aimed at safeguarding Alaska’s pristine Arctic region.
The leases that have been canceled cover 365,000 acres in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). The NPR-A, which is the largest undisturbed public land in the United States, spans over 23 million acres on the state’s North Slope. The department plans to ban new leases on more than 40 percent of the reserve.
Protecting Alaska’s Pristine Arctic Region
The Biden administration’s actions align with President Joe Biden’s broader conservation and climate agenda. President Biden emphasized the importance of preserving the Arctic region, stating, ”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.”
In a statement, President Biden further explained, “Canceling all remaining oil and gas leases issued under the previous administration in the Arctic Refuge and protecting more than 13 million acres in the Western Arctic will help preserve our Arctic lands and wildlife, while honoring the culture, history, and enduring wisdom of Alaska Natives who have lived on these lands since time immemorial.”
Legal Deficiencies and Proposed Regulations
The leases were initially suspended in June 2021 following Secretary Deb Haaland’s Order 3401 due to “multiple legal deficiencies in the underlying record supporting the leases.” The Department of the Interior has now officially canceled these leases based on a comprehensive analysis conducted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
In addition to canceling the leases, the department has proposed new regulations for the NPR-A. These regulations aim to ”ensure maximum protection” for the ”Special Areas in the reserve, while supporting subsistence activities for Alaska Native communities.”
Criticism and Response
While the Biden administration’s decision has been praised for its commitment to conservation and climate action, it has also faced criticism. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) called the move “unlawful” and “devastating” for the state. He expressed concern about the impact on Alaska’s energy security and the Inupiat people of the North Slope.
Sen. Sullivan stated, “This war on Alaska is devastating for not only Alaska but also the energy security of the nation. This unlawful cancellation of leases brings us to 55 executive orders and actions specifically targeting Alaska since President Biden assumed office.”
The Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope has been contacted for comment on the matter.
Overall, the Biden administration’s decision to cancel these oil and gas leases in Alaska reflects its commitment to protecting the environment and addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
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