Alaska sues Biden administration for ‘irrational’ restrictions on Trump-era oil and gas drilling mandate
The Trump administration has promised to fight back against President Biden’s latest move in what they call the ‘green new scam.’ In a recent announcement, the Biden administration revealed plans to move forward with an oil and gas lease sale in a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), a decision that has sparked controversy and legal action.
The state of Alaska recently filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration, claiming that they are violating a Trump-era law by limiting drilling in the region. The lawsuit alleges that the Biden administration’s decision to open leasing in only 400,000 acres of the northwest portion of ANWR goes against the statutory mandate of Congress.
According to Alaska’s Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy, the Biden administration’s opposition to responsible energy development in the Arctic is leading America down a path of energy dependence instead of utilizing the vast resources available. The state of Alaska argues that by restricting drilling in the region, the Biden administration is negating Congress’ express call for oil and gas leasing and development on the Coastal Plain.
The lawsuit was filed just days before the lease sale is expected to take place on January 9. The Biden administration issued restrictions on the lease, such as surface use and occupancy, which the complaint claims could make any development economically and practically impossible.
Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor stated that Congress did not authorize a new direction for ANWR, and President Biden’s administration ignored the law by taking this unlawful detour without presenting their final decision to the public for comment.
The Department of Interior declined to comment on the lawsuit. It remains to be seen how this legal battle will unfold and what impact it will have on the future of oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
