The Biden administration has decided to restrict new oil and gas leases in a large area of the federal petroleum reserve in Alaska, covering 13 million acres. This measure, revealed in a statement from the US Department of the Interior, aims to safeguard local fauna, including caribou and polar bears, in response to accelerated warming of the Arctic.
This decision is the result of lengthy deliberation about the balance between resource exploitation and environmental conservation in Alaska. The measure solidifies an initial proposal for protections announced last year, coinciding with the approval of the controversial Willow oil project , which had sparked criticism from environmental groups.
The new measure for oil and gas leases
The system established by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the new regulation will periodically evaluate and update areas that require special protections due to their ecological or cultural value. Additionally, more stringent restrictions will be implemented for future development and leasing in these critical areas.
Environmental voices have celebrated the decision. Ellen Montgomery of Environment America and Jeremy Lieb of Earthjustice have expressed satisfaction with the measures, which they consider a significant advance for climate protection and nature conservation.
In contrast, some Republican politicians, such as Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, have criticized the decision, arguing that it unfairly limits the state’s economic development and foreshadows future legal battles. Sullivan and others have expressed concern about energy security and the negative economic impact these restrictions could have on Alaska.
For her part, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has defended the decision, highlighting the importance of protecting Alaska’s unique landscapes for future generations and the area’s native communities. Likewise, the administration has rejected additional proposals such as the construction of a highway that would facilitate mining extraction , reflecting a continued commitment to responsible environmental management.
This new regulatory approach highlights the need to balance development and conservation, and reflects a shift in national policy toward greater environmental responsibility . The measure could serve as a precedent for other areas in the US. and other countries where natural resources and biodiversity are at risk due to industrial activities . This action underscores the importance of environmental governance in the era of climate change.
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Source: theguardian.com
Photo: shutterstock
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