Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has criticized the US government’s decision to cancel oil and gas drilling licenses and forbid further drilling, stating that it will cripple the country’s economy and only serves to advance the green agenda. The Biden administration recently revoked seven ten-year oil and gas drilling licenses that were previously granted to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) by former President Donald Trump. In addition, the Department of the Interior proposed a ban on future leases on more than 40% of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.
President Biden justified these measures by stating that they would help protect Arctic lands and wildlife, and emphasized his commitment to taking bold action to address the climate crisis. However, Governor Dunleavy argued that the decision makes no sense unless the goal is to raise the cost of oil and gas to make renewables appear cheaper. He expressed his concerns that countries like Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are mocking the United States for its energy policy under the Biden administration.
Dunleavy, a Republican, criticized the Biden administration for hobbling the United States to such a degree, claiming that it is unprecedented in the history of nation-states or empires. He suggested that the majority of Americans are eager for the 2024 elections to arrive in order to see a change in energy policy.
Gasoline prices have significantly increased under President Biden’s leadership, with the average price reaching over $5 per gallon last June. This is a substantial rise from the approximately $2 per gallon when Biden took office. The increase in prices started when Biden signed an executive order in January 2021 banning new oil and gas licenses on federal land. The conflict in Ukraine also impacted global energy markets and further contributed to the spike in gasoline prices. In an attempt to stabilize prices, Biden tapped into the US’ strategic petroleum reserve and lobbied OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) to reduce production. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful.
The AIDEA argues that the Biden administration does not have the legal authority to rescind existing drilling licenses. As a result, they plan to challenge the decision in court.
It is important to note that these developments have sparked debate and discussion among experts and politicians regarding the best approach to energy policy and the balance between conservation and economic growth. While proponents of stricter regulations argue that such measures are necessary to combat climate change and protect natural resources, critics assert that excessive restrictions can harm the economy and lead to job losses. This ongoing conversation will likely shape future energy policies and their impact on various sectors of society.
Source link
