Biden-Harris Administration Bans Oil Drilling on 28 Million Acres of Public Lands

The Biden-Harris administration has taken a significant step in environmental policy, banning oil drilling across 28 million acres of public lands in Alaska, reversing Trump-era efforts to increase fossil fuel extraction.

At a Glance

Biden administration cancels Trump-era oil leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
13 million acres in the Western Arctic blocked from oil and gas drilling
Decision sets up conflict with Republicans over fossil fuel access on federal land
Environmental groups and Indigenous leaders praise the move as a victory for conservation

Biden Administration’s Bold Move on Alaskan Oil Drilling

The Biden-Harris administration has taken decisive action to protect vast swathes of Alaskan wilderness from oil and gas drilling. In a move that reverses Trump-era policies, the administration has canceled the remaining oil and gas leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and blocked new drilling on millions of acres of public land. This decision affects an area the size of Switzerland within Alaska’s petroleum reserve, demonstrating a clear pivot towards environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.

The Department of Interior has proposed stronger protections against development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, effectively safeguarding over 20,000 square miles of land in the western Arctic reserve. This area is home to caribou herds, threatened bird species, polar bears, and other wildlife, making its preservation crucial for biodiversity.

NEW: Biden-Harris Admin Bars Oil Drilling On 28 Million Acres of Public Lands@ThomasCatenacci reports @FreeBeacon https://t.co/fmodtLfPUa pic.twitter.com/fWxgKAOcLq

— Peter J. Hasson (@peterjhasson) August 28, 2024

Environmental and Indigenous Perspectives

Environmental groups and Indigenous leaders have hailed this decision as a significant victory for conservation and climate justice. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is considered sacred by the Indigenous Gwich’in people, and its protection has been a long-standing concern for many environmental advocates.

“It is nearly impossible to overstate the importance of today’s announcements for Arctic conservation,” said Jamie Williams, president of the Wilderness Society. “Once again, the Arctic Refuge is free of oil leases. Our climate is a bit safer and there is renewed hope for permanently protecting one of the last great wild landscapes in America.” PBS News

The Biden-Harris administration’s actions are part of a broader commitment to protect over 41 million acres of lands and waters across the country. This aligns with their stated goals of addressing climate change and preserving America’s natural heritage for future generations.

The Biden administration is restricting drilling on millions of acres of government-owned lands in Alaska https://t.co/m7t6FKXF0v

— abc27 News (@abc27News) April 19, 2024

Political Implications and Economic Concerns

The decision has not been without controversy. It sets up a new conflict with Republicans over fossil fuel access on federal land. Alaska’s Republican governor and some Democratic lawmakers have criticized the move, citing potential economic impacts on Indigenous communities and the state’s economy.

“The Biden administration will cancel oil leases sold by the Trump administration in an Alaskan wildlife refuge and block new drilling in millions of acres in the state, setting up a new brawl with Republicans over access to fossil fuels on federal land.” Politico

Critics argue that this decision could harm local economies and energy production, particularly in light of the recent approval of the controversial Willow oil project. The balance between environmental protection and energy needs remains a contentious issue in American politics.

Looking Ahead

While the Biden administration has taken a strong stance on protecting Alaskan wilderness, challenges remain. A 2017 law mandates another lease sale by late 2024, which could complicate long-term conservation efforts. Environmental groups are urging Congress to repeal this provision and permanently protect the coastal plain.

“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. His actions “meet the urgency of the climate crisis” and will “protect our lands and waters for generations to come,” Biden said.

As the debate over balancing environmental protection with energy needs continues, the Biden-Harris administration’s decision marks a significant shift in U.S. environmental policy, prioritizing conservation and climate action over fossil fuel extraction on public lands.