The Canning River forms the northwestern border of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and runs through the 1.5-million-acre coastal plain.
Photo: Lisa Hupp/USFWS
Breaking News…
WASHINGTON—The Biden administration is putting a hold on oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, the latest move in its effort to stop a first-ever oil-drilling program in the pristine 19-million-acre wilderness, according to people familiar with the decision.
The Interior Department, which oversees the program and the refuge, will start a deeper analysis of the environmental impacts of drilling in the area, according to the people.
The decision comes after President Biden, during his first week in office, ordered a review citing “alleged legal deficiencies” in the original leasing program and put in place a temporary moratorium.
Former President Donald Trump’s administration finished the first lease sale just days before Mr. Trump left office, potentially locking in those drilling rights even though no major oil companies were among the bidders.
(More to Come)
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