Over Lawmakers Objections, Biden Administration Bans Oil And Gas Leases In Some Parts Of Alaska

The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced strict new limits on energy development in Alaska.

Specifically, the final rule limits oil and gas leasing on 13.3 million acres and curbs industrial development in the Teshekpuk Lake, Utukok Uplands, Colville River, Kasegaluk Lagoon, and Peard Bay Special Areas. Leasing is totally banned for 10.6 million acres. With the new rules, the department also effectively blocked construction of an industrial road that would have allowed access to undeveloped deposits of minerals, including copper and zinc, in the region.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers from the state publicly criticized the move. In a press conference, for example, Sen. Dan Sullivan said, “The message this administration is sending to the dictators in Iran, China and Russia is this: We won’t use our resources to strengthen our country — but you can use your resources to strengthen your country.” Additionally, as The Associated Press reported, Alaska’s Republican governor condemned the Biden administration’s new rules and threatened to sue.

At least one Democrat from Alaska suggested the decision could hurt Indigenous residents in communities where oil development is an important economic driver. “I am deeply frustrated by the reversal of these leases,” said U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola. “I will continue to advocate for … Alaska’s ability to explore and develop our natural resources.”