President Joe Biden announced that his administration was canceling oil and gas leases in an Alaskan federal wildlife refuge, reversing a sale made in the waning days of the Trump presidency in a move that further undermines America’s energy independence.
On Wednesday, the Department of Interior overturned the remaining seven leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) with both the White House and the Department citing the alleged climate crisis as a reason and dealing another blow to the former president’s policies which have been systematically dismantled by Biden and the most radical regime in the nation’s history.
“My Administration is canceling all remaining oil and gas leases issued under the last administration in the Arctic Refuge and proposing to protect 13 million acres in the Western Arctic,” the president wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “There’s more to do, but we’re taking action to meet the moment for future generations.”
My Administration is canceling all remaining oil and gas leases issued under the last administration in the Arctic Refuge and proposing to protect 13 million acres in the Western Arctic.
There’s more to do, but we’re taking action to meet the moment for future generations.
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 7, 2023
“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.
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is canceling all remaining oil and gas leases issued under the previous administration in the Arctic Refuge.
The Administration also took new action to protect more than 13 million acres in the Western Arctic. pic.twitter.com/YNStbtLKtZ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 7, 2023
“Canceling all remaining oil and gas leases issued under the previous administration in the Arctic Refuge and protecting more than 13 million acres in the Western Arctic will help preserve our Arctic lands and wildlife, while honoring the culture, history, and enduring wisdom of Alaska Natives who have lived on these lands since time immemorial,” the statement read.
“From day one, I have delivered on the most ambitious climate and conservation agenda in our country’s history. But there is more to do, and my administration will continue to take bold action to meet the urgency of the climate crisis and to protect our lands and waters for generations to come,” Biden said.
The latest reversal of Trump’s America First policies comes prior to next year’s election and should at least somewhat placate climate activists who have been calling for Biden to declare a national climate emergency.
Climate change is the crisis of our lifetime, and we cannot ignore the disproportionate impacts being felt in the Arctic. We must do everything within our control to meet the highest standards of care to protect this fragile ecosystem. https://t.co/MmzhjfnrAD
— Secretary Deb Haaland (@SecDebHaaland) September 6, 2023
“With climate change warming the Arctic more than twice as fast as the rest of the planet, we must do everything within our control to meet the highest standards of care to protect this fragile ecosystem,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in a statement. “President Biden is delivering on the most ambitious climate and conservation agenda in history. The steps we are taking today further that commitment, based on the best available science and in recognition of the Indigenous Knowledge of the original stewards of this area, to safeguard our public lands for future generations.”
Alaska’s elected representatives blasted the decision to cancel the leases.
“This war on Alaska is devastating for not only Alaska but also the energy security of the nation. This unlawful cancellation of leases brings us to 55 executive orders and actions specifically targeting Alaska since President Biden assumed office,” said Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). “This is a grave injustice to the Inupiat people of the North Slope, especially in Kaktovik—the only village in ANWR. As evidenced by this and so many of the admin’s actions, the idea of ‘equity’ is being exploited as a hollow political soundbite.”
This war on Alaska is devastating for not only Alaska but also the energy security of the nation. This unlawful cancellation of leases brings us to 55 executive orders and actions specifically targeting Alaska since President Biden assumed office. (1/2)https://t.co/FAEd6i6T9m
— Sen. Dan Sullivan (@SenDanSullivan) September 6, 2023
“It’s bad enough to tear up legal contracts and renege on federal commitments. But it’s even more unconscionable that the Biden administration is penalizing Alaska right as it allows Iran to produce more of its oil and solicits the same from Venezuela,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said in a statement.
It’s not hard to predict what will happen as they allow the world’s worst actors to enrich themselves, while punishing Alaska. Fewer jobs at home, more imports for California, and higher prices for everyone.
— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) September 6, 2023
“It’s not hard to predict what will happen as they allow the world’s worst actors to enrich themselves, while punishing Alaska. Fewer jobs at home, more imports for California, and higher prices for everyone,” she added. “These decisions are illegal, reckless, defy all common sense, and are the latest signs of a incoherent energy policy from President Biden.”
The lease cancellations come at the expense of the American people in a time of increasing energy costs and a government that is more focused on radical leftist ideology than creating more energy for its own citizens.
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