Biden remains committed to his promise of halting drilling on federal lands within three years
Oath of Office: Did President Biden Fulfill His Promise to Limit Drilling on Federal Lands?
President Joe Biden ran for office with a mission to restore the soul of the nation, rebuild the middle class, and unite the country. As we approach 2024, it’s time to assess whether he has kept his other campaign promises. In this Washington Examiner series, we will investigate Biden’s Oath of Office and determine if he has delivered on his commitments. Part Two focuses on his pledge to limit drilling for oil and gas on federal lands.
Biden’s Campaign Promise
During his 2020 campaign, President Biden vowed to halt new drilling on federal lands.
Since taking office, Biden has taken some steps to fulfill this promise. He has implemented a ban on oil and gas drilling on millions of federal acres.
Assessing Biden’s Performance
However, some environmental groups argue that Biden has not fully upheld his core campaign promises. They claim that he prioritizes energy security and cost reduction over decarbonization goals, which could leave him vulnerable to criticism as he seeks reelection in 2024. On the other hand, Republicans and the industry argue that he has not done enough to support domestic oil and gas production during times of market volatility.
The Context
On his first day in office, Biden instructed the Interior Department to pause all new oil and gas leasing on federal lands and waters. This decision was made pending a comprehensive review of the lease program.
However, this “pause” faced legal challenges. A federal judge in Louisiana ruled that the Interior Department violated federal law by canceling lease sales, stating that they must be held according to the Mineral Leasing Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
Additionally, Biden’s administration was compelled to carry out lease sales due to a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act, negotiated by Senator Joe Manchin. This provision links offshore wind to oil and gas leasing and was crucial in securing Manchin’s approval on the IRA.
Geopolitical events and domestic policy priorities have also influenced Biden’s stance on drilling, leading to moderation or even backtracking on his promises.
Biden’s Actions and Controversies
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Biden urged U.S. oil refiners and producers to increase supply, as gas prices soared to over $5 per gallon. The U.S. also exported significant amounts of liquefied natural gas to the European Union to help address their energy supply crisis.
In March, the Biden administration approved ConocoPhillips’s massive drilling project in Alaska, known as the Willow Project. This decision sparked outrage from environmental groups, who accused Biden of betraying his campaign promises.
However, Biden has also made efforts to appease green groups. In September, his administration blocked oil and gas drilling on millions of acres in Alaska’s North Slope and canceled several Trump-era leases in the area, providing “maximum protection” for over 40% of the National Petroleum Reserve.
The Interior Department also published a highly restrictive five-year plan for oil and gas leasing, with only three lease auctions scheduled between 2023 and 2029. This plan received criticism from both environmental groups, who believed it didn’t go far enough, and Republicans, who felt it went too far.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen if President Biden’s actions on drilling will satisfy his supporters or invite further scrutiny.
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What are the complex factors that will determine whether Biden has fulfilled his commitment to limit drilling on federal lands
Ineral Leasing Act. This ruling was seen as a setback for Biden’s efforts to limit drilling on federal lands.
Despite this, Biden has maintained his commitment to reducing drilling on federal lands. His administration has proposed stricter regulations on methane emissions from oil and gas operations and has also pledged to increase renewable energy production on public lands. These actions align with his goal of addressing climate change and transitioning to a clean energy economy.
The Impact
Biden’s efforts to limit drilling on federal lands have drawn mixed reactions. Environmentalists have praised his actions as crucial steps in protecting public lands and curbing greenhouse gas emissions. They argue that by restricting drilling, Biden is prioritizing the environment and the long-term health of the planet.
On the other hand, critics, including some Republicans and industry leaders, argue that limiting drilling on federal lands could have negative economic consequences. The oil and gas industry contributes to job creation and economic growth, particularly in certain regions of the country. They argue that restrictions on drilling would lead to job losses and a decrease in energy independence.
Furthermore, critics argue that limiting drilling on federal lands could result in an increase in oil and gas imports, which could have implications for national security and geopolitical relationships.
The Verdict
Assessing Biden’s performance in fulfilling his promise to limit drilling on federal lands is complex. While he has taken steps to restrict drilling and implement stricter regulations, legal challenges and concerns about economic impacts remain.
It is evident that Biden’s actions have placed an emphasis on addressing climate change and promoting clean energy. However, the balance between environmental conservation and economic considerations is a delicate one.
As with many campaign promises, the ultimate verdict on whether President Biden has fulfilled his commitment to limit drilling on federal lands will likely be determined by a combination of legal battles, economic factors, and the ever-evolving debate around climate change and energy policy.
Conclusion
President Biden pledged to limit drilling on federal lands, and he has taken steps to fulfill this promise. However, challenges and criticisms persist, with concerns about legal obstacles and economic impacts complicating the issue.
As with any assessment of a president’s performance, the determination of whether Biden has fulfilled his promise will depend on individual perspectives and priorities. Environmentalists may view his actions as a step in the right direction, while industry leaders and job-seekers may express concerns about the potential negative effects on the economy.
Only time will tell how President Biden’s stance on drilling on federal lands will impact the nation and its future in terms of energy, environment, and economic factors.
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