Staff Reports
The Biden administration appears to be eager to cement its legacy of environmental overreach on its way out by essentially shutting down oil drilling opportunities in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Just when Alaskans thought they might see a glimmer of hope for energy independence, Biden delivers a parting shot that underscores his administration’s disdain for the state’s economic priorities. The upcoming lease sale, a requirement of past legislation, is merely a façade, leaving Alaskans wondering if their voices will ever truly matter in the corridors of power.
In a move that would make even the most seasoned bureaucrat blush, the Interior Department plans to auction off a paltry 400,000 acres of the ANWR’s 1002 Area – the barest minimum mandated by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was championed by Republicans and signed into law by President Trump. During Trump’s tenure, nine leases were issued, only for Biden to come in and suspend them faster than one can say “green energy initiative.” Alaskans are left scratching their heads, wondering who is really benefitting from this latest environmental charade.
Parting Outrage: Biden Sticks It to Alaska on His Way Out the Doorhttps://t.co/cXtoBOr9Gg
— RedState (@RedState) December 10, 2024
Alaska’s prominent political figures are anything but pleased. Senator Dan Sullivan and Governor Mike Dunleavy have voiced their frustrations, pointing out that the administration has ungraciously ignored the voices of Alaska Native tribes who stand to gain from responsible resource development. Reports suggest that the administration’s claims of having consulted these communities are as accurate as every other promise made by the left: largely fabricated. The reality is that the Biden administration has failed to recognize the economic needs of those who live in the area, all while pretending to uphold the law. Meanwhile, the mainstream media remains conspicuously silent on this blatant disregard for truth.
Not just a localized issue, this is part of a broader pattern of energy hostility from the Biden administration. By sidelining Alaska and canceling projects like the Keystone pipeline on his first day in office, Biden has taken every opportunity to roll back American energy independence and degrade the country’s oil and gas industry. Many suspect these actions are part of a larger agenda targeting conservative states that dare to support Republican values and leadership. This brand of governance is intent on erasing progress in favor of appeasing radical environmentalists and climate alarmists, who seem bent on dragging America back to the Stone Age.
As the clock ticks down to the end of Biden’s tenure, there remains hope for a major shift in policy come January 20th. Many anticipate a refreshing change that embraces energy development once again, echoing the famed rallying cry for American energy dominance – “Drill, baby, drill.” For now, Alaskans stand resilient, fueled by the knowledge that their loyalty to conservative principles may soon pay off, potentially restoring their rightful access to the vast natural resources that have long supported their way of life. With a new administration looming on the horizon, it appears that Biden’s parting gift may backfire, lighting a fire under the next leadership to unleash the full potential of America’s energy resources.
