The White House press office announced that U.S. President Joe Biden plans to revoke the prior administration’s approvals for leasing federal lands in Alaska for oil and gas development. The move is framed around mounting Arctic warming, which scientists say is accelerating twice as fast as the global average, a consequence of the climate crisis. This update is noted by TASS.
Biden emphasized safeguarding the Arctic and its wildlife, signaling the intention to cancel the remaining oil and gas lease agreements tied to the Arctic Reserve. The aim is to protect sensitive ecosystems and to preserve more than 13 million acres of Western Arctic lands from industrial development.
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced that the measure targets the seven outstanding rental permits still in force. The department oversees the management of federal lands, natural resources, and programs affecting Indigenous communities. It also indicated plans to prohibit hydrocarbon extraction over a substantial portion of northern Alaska.
During the 2020 campaign, Biden stated a commitment to halt new licenses for oil and gas exploration on state lands and offshore waters. After taking office, he ordered a moratorium on federal land leases, a policy that faced legal challenges from several state officials who argued it overstepped executive authority.
Context: The broader energy debate continues to hinge on balancing national energy needs with environmental protection and Indigenous rights, while considering how climate science informs long-term land-use decisions across the United States. The Arctic remains a focal point for both conservation efforts and discussions about responsible resource management. (Source: TASS)