Biden Administration Revokes Controversial Oil Leases in Arctic Refuge: A Major Shift in Environmental Policy

The Biden Administration’s recent decision marks a significant step towards environmental protection. They have canceled all remaining oil and gas leases in Alaska’s vulnerable Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and have also taken measures to safeguard an additional 13 million acres in the nearby National Petroleum Reserve. This move comes as President Joe Biden faces mounting pressure to address fossil fuel development on federal lands in order to combat the worsening impact of climate change on the planet.

The cancellation of these leases aligns with President Biden’s campaign promise to reverse the previous administration’s attacks on America’s natural treasures, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It is a crucial step towards cherishing and preserving these invaluable ecosystems.

Under the Trump administration, the auctioning of rights to drill in the Alaskan refuge’s coastal plain, known as the “1002 area,” took place. This was a contentious issue between Republicans, oil companies, and environmental activists. However, the first lease sale garnered minimal interest, with only two small oil companies and an Alaska state-owned economic development corporation bidding on half of the available land. The sale generated a mere $14.4 million, falling significantly short of the projected $1.8 billion in federal revenue over the next decade.

In June 2021, the Biden administration initially suspended the Trump-era leases, pending an internal review. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has now stated that the analysis revealed significant legal flaws in the lease sale. As a result, the remaining seven leases held by the state-owned Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, covering approximately 365,000 acres, have been voided.

The decision to cancel these leases means that no one will have the right to drill for oil in one of the most ecologically fragile landscapes in the world. Secretary Haaland emphasized the importance of addressing climate change, which has disproportionately impacted the Arctic region.

While the Biden administration intends to follow the law regarding the second Arctic refuge oil and gas auction required under the 2017 tax law, Indigenous leaders and environmental groups have applauded the actions taken to protect the Arctic ecosystems. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is often referred to as “America’s Serengeti” due to its rich biodiversity, serving as a vital habitat for polar bears, caribou, moose, and countless migratory bird species. It is also of deep cultural and spiritual significance to the Gwich’in people.

Furthermore, the Interior Department has proposed a rule to safeguard 13 million acres in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve. This includes a ban on new oil and gas leasing on 10.6 million acres, accounting for over 40% of the reserve. The reserve, established in 1923, is home to significant oil and gas deposits, as well as crucial habitats for polar bears, caribou, and migratory birds. The Trump administration had previously expanded the area available for development within the reserve.

In response to these developments, the Gwich’in Steering Committee expressed their support, stating that the lease cancellations rectify attempts to harm their people, the natural environment, and sacred lands. They also highlighted the economic infeasibility of the leases and the potential threats they posed to the Porcupine Caribou Herd and the Gwich’in way of life.

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, on the other hand, criticized the administration’s actions, accusing them of bypassing the law. They have vowed to challenge the Interior Department in court, citing the negative impact on job opportunities, resource development, and the redirection of funds towards foreign countries with lower environmental standards.