Manchin criticizes Biden’s move to cancel Alaska oil and gas leases.
Sen. Joe Manchin Slams Biden Administration’s Decision to Pull Oil and Gas Leases from Alaska
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) strongly criticized the Biden administration’s recent move to revoke oil and gas leases in Alaska, accusing them of bowing down to the radical Left. The decision, announced by the Department of the Interior, prohibits drilling on over 10.6 million acres in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve, safeguarding more than 40% of the reserve and preserving the largest undisturbed public land in the United States, located in Alaska’s North Slope.
Manchin: A Blow to American Energy Security
“I cannot fathom why we would willingly increase our dependence on foreign oil imports, eliminate well-paying American jobs, and drive up electricity and gas prices nationwide,” Manchin expressed his dismay. “This is yet another instance of the administration succumbing to the radical Left, disregarding the clear direction from Congress and jeopardizing American energy security.”
Manchin went on to describe the decision as “embarrassing” and an attempt to bypass Congress, suggesting that the administration lacks the necessary support for proper approval. He also raised concerns that this move would enable countries like Iran and Venezuela to ramp up their oil production with fewer environmental regulations.
Rolling Back Leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
In addition to the Alaska National Petroleum Reserve, the Interior Department also announced the rollback of seven oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which were previously leased for exploration by Alaska’s state-owned oil development agency during the Trump administration. The department cited a new environmental review that revealed serious flaws in the original analysis, rendering it legally inadequate.
These decisions have garnered praise from environmental groups advocating for increased conservation efforts in the area.
Manchin’s Ongoing Clash with the Administration
Sen. Manchin has consistently clashed with the current administration on climate-related issues. As the chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, he has criticized his own party’s handling of the Inflation Reduction Act, despite playing a significant role in its development.
Although Manchin has hinted at the possibility of leaving the Democratic Party, he has stated that he would only do so if he believed it would allow him to maintain a truly independent voice.
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