The Biden administration’s decision to approve a 30-year oil-drilling project has sparked criticism from Democrats—and particularly progressives—from both chambers of Congress.
“The Biden administration has committed to fighting climate change and advancing environmental justice—today’s decision to approve the Willow project fails to live up to those promises,” the group wrote.
“Their decision ignores the voices of the people of Nuiqsut, our frontline communities, and the irrefutable science that says we must stop building projects like this to slow the ever more devastating impacts of climate change.”
While the four lawmakers said they approved of the administration’s proposed plans to conserve nearly 16 million acres of lands and waters in Alaska, they claimed that “split decisions in the face of the climate crisis are not good enough.
“This administration clearly knows what the path to a cleaner and more just future looks like—we wish they hadn’t chosen to stray so far from that path with today’s Willow decision,” the group added. “The only acceptable Willow project is no Willow project.”
Some Democratic Approval
Not all Democrats are against the Willow Project, however.“This is a long awaited and critical step towards shoring up American energy security,” Manchin wrote. “Responsible development of our abundant natural resources is essential if we are to maintain our status as the superpower of the world, capable of supporting our allies around the globe.”
Manchin wrote that the “torturous, nearly five-year” permitting process for the Willow project indicated that permitting reform is essential.
“This is a levelheaded decision that will strengthen Alaska and our entire nation. I will continue to work with the Administration to support common sense, energy security projects like these that create good paying jobs and maintain America’s standing on the global stage,” he wrote.
“I’m thankful to my Democratic colleagues who helped me advocate for a meeting with the White House,” Peltola continued. “Without their support and an open mind from the President, we could have seen an uneconomic [Record of Decision] today.”
Peltola added, “I’m also thankful for the strong bipartisan effort from Alaskans, including organized labor and our entire state legislature. Willow is going forward. Now, it’s on us to make the most of this opportunity.”
Republicans Criticize Drilling Ban
The approval of the Willow Project has drawn mixed reactions from Republicans, with some criticizing the administration for wanting to put new bans on future oil and gas development across nearly 16 million acres in Alaska.“Taking future oil production in Alaska off the map won’t decrease global oil consumption. It will just shift the market and give leverage to producers in countries that don’t have our high standards for the environment and human rights,” Dunleavy added. “In the end, every American pays the price when President Biden restricts our ability to develop our own energy resources.”
“Lessening our dependence on foreign oil and lowering energy costs for American families should be a top priority,” Westerman said. “Global fossil fuel consumption continues to grow from sources that are much dirtier than American-made energy.