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On Monday, the Biden administration announced its approval of ConocoPhillips’ Willow oil and gas project in Alaska, a “carbon bomb” that is projected to produce up to 287 million metric tons of carbon dioxide over the next 30 years. While the administration also announced a proposed rulemaking to end future oil and gas lease sales in parts of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A), this rulemaking does not affect the Willow project, where ConocoPhillips already holds leases.
“With today’s decision, President Biden has dug himself a massive hole when it comes to public lands and the energy transition,” Center for Western Priorities Executive Director Jennifer Rokala said in a statement. “If the Biden administration is serious about their commitments to address the climate and nature crises, it’s imperative that the president double down on durable, meaningful action.”
Meanwhile, Biden is missing an opportunity to make good on a widely-supported commitment to protect Avi Kwa Ame in southern Nevada during his visit to Las Vegas today for a fundraising event. Scheduling challenges are being offered as the reason it has taken over 100 days for the president to honor his commitment to Tribes with what would be the largest new land conservation action of his presidency so far.
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To salvage a conservation legacy commensurate with his commitments, the president must use his executive authority to offset the damage from Willow. If he hopes to reach his goal of protecting 30 percent of America’s lands and waters by 2030, he will need every tool available, including the Antiquities Act, to protect public lands.”
