Biden cancels Trump’s gas leases in Alaska’s largest wildlife refuge

 

US President Joe Biden’s administration has canceled oil and gas leases in an Alaskan wildlife refuge, overturning sales held in the Trump administration’s waning days, and proposed stronger protections against development on vast swaths of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

Their cancellation on the basis of “multiple legal deficiencies” comes as President Joe Biden’s White House looks to burnish its environmental credentials in the face of criticism over support for fossil fuel projects.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said, “President Biden is delivering on the most ambitious climate and conservation agenda in history. The steps we are taking today further that commitment.”

Some critics who said the approval of Willow flew in the face of Biden’s pledges to address climate change lauded Wednesday’s announcement. But they said more could be done. Litigation over the approval of the Willow project is pending.