Biden administration finalizes rule to ban fossil fuel extraction in a large portion of Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve
In a significant win for climate and environmental activists, the Biden administration has announced a rule to ban fossil fuel extraction in almost half of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. This Friday’s announcement marks a major step towards conservation in the Western Arctic region.
The Department of the Interior’s decision will block oil drilling in more than 52,600 square kilometers of the Western Arctic, including approximately 40% of the territory of the NPR-A. This remote area is home to protected animal species such as polar bears and reindeer.
The move comes after controversy surrounding the approval of the Willow Project, owned by ConocoPhillips, a controversial Arctic oil drilling company, earlier in the year. The decision sparked backlash from environmental and climate groups, as well as young voters on social media.
President Joe Biden expressed his pride in the government’s decision to conserve a significant portion of the Western Arctic, stating that “these natural wonders demand our protection.” However, he acknowledged that more needs to be done to address the climate crisis affecting communities across the country.
While the ban on drilling has been met with criticism from some Alaska Natives and Alaska’s bipartisan congressional delegation, environmental groups and indigenous communities have hailed the announcement as an “important step” towards protecting the region.
In addition to the ban on drilling, the Biden administration also took steps to block the construction of the Ambler Highway in the Alaskan wilderness, which would have served as an access point to a proposed copper mine. The decision effectively blocks the mine’s access to federal lands.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized the importance of safeguarding special places and the way of life of indigenous communities in Alaska. The move is seen as a positive step in protecting the environment and future generations.
Environmental groups and indigenous advocates are calling for even bolder action to keep the fossil fuel industry out of the Arctic region. As construction for the Willow Project continues, concerns are rising about its impact on the annual reindeer migration and local wildlife.
The Biden administration’s conservation efforts in Alaska are part of a broader push to elevate conservation as a priority for public land use in the United States. The move comes as the administration seeks to balance energy independence and environmental protection, with a focus on addressing the impacts of climate change.