JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Biden administration said Friday it will restrict new oil and gas leasing on 13 million acres (5.3 million hectares) of a federal petroleum reserve in Alaska to help protect wildlife such as caribou and polar bears as the Arctic continues to warm.
The decision — part of a yearslong fight over whether and how to develop the vast oil resources in the state — finalizes protections first proposed last year as the Democratic administration prepared to approve the contentious Willow oil project.
The approval of Willow drew fury from environmentalists, who said the large oil project violated President Joe Biden’s pledge to combat climate change. Friday’s decision also completes an earlier plan that called for closing nearly half the reserve to oil and gas leasing.
A group of Republican lawmakers, led by Alaska U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, jumped out ahead of Friday’s announcement about drilling limitations in the National Petroleum-Reserve Alaska before it was publicly announced. Sullivan called it an “illegal” attack on the state’s economic lifeblood, and he predicted lawsuits.
EPA designates 2 forever chemicals as hazardous substances, eligible for Superfund cleanup
A London court rules against a Muslim girl who wanted to pray at a school known for strict rules
Presidium of China's annual legislative session holds 3rd meeting
Xi inspects Changsha in central China's Hunan Province
Watch Ryan Garcia get into an X
The US ambassador to Japan says boosting arms industry ties is key to a stronger security alliance
China, Nauru gathering momentum for growth of ties
New gallery finds footing in Beijing Fun
Amanda Holden reveals a huge secret about THAT nude appearance on her Heart FM breakfast show
Ohio man fatally shot Uber driver after scammers targeted both of them, authorities say
The 20 best shows to watch On Demand this weekend
US hypes up 'Volt Typhoon' false narrative to smear China