The Biden Administration broke away from a controversial Trump-era policy that would have opened new reaches of the Alaskan Arctic to oil development.
To this effect, the Bureau of Land Management (part of the Department of Interior) reinstated Obama-era management policies in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska which spans over 23 million acres.
According to Reuters, the restored policies allow oil leasing on about half of the reserve, while protecting the areas considered important to the Arctic ecosystems and indigenous residents.
However, Trump’s plan was challenged by two lawsuits filed in the federal court in Alaska. The Department of Interior responded to those lawsuits, resurrecting the Obama-era management policies.
Supporters of expanded leasing criticized Biden’s decision at the time of reduced energy security that resulted from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Environmentalists, on the other hand, welcomed the policy restoration and called for more protections.
Where do you stand?
Leave a Comment
Last Updated: May 10, 2022 by Nikola Gemeš
U.S. Abandons Trump-era Policies for Arctic Alaska Oil Reserve
The Biden Administration broke away from a controversial Trump-era policy that would have opened new reaches of the Alaskan Arctic to oil development.
To this effect, the Bureau of Land Management (part of the Department of Interior) reinstated Obama-era management policies in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska which spans over 23 million acres.
According to Reuters, the restored policies allow oil leasing on about half of the reserve, while protecting the areas considered important to the Arctic ecosystems and indigenous residents.
However, Trump’s plan was challenged by two lawsuits filed in the federal court in Alaska. The Department of Interior responded to those lawsuits, resurrecting the Obama-era management policies.
Supporters of expanded leasing criticized Biden’s decision at the time of reduced energy security that resulted from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Environmentalists, on the other hand, welcomed the policy restoration and called for more protections.
Where do you stand?
More inspiring green news similar to this:
Nikola Gemeš
Nikola uses his background in electrical engineering to break down complex sustainability topics for GreenCitizen's readers. He is a firm believer in environmental conservation, which he practices daily through recycling and home-grown food. He enjoys hiking, engaging in white-water sports, and collecting pocket knives.
Category: Conservation, Environmental Policies, Green News
Explore More From GreenCitizen
Recent Posts
Categories