Biden limits oil production in a vast area of Alaska

President Biden bans new oil and gas development in the western Arctic, protecting vulnerable territories in Alaska.

Share:

USA pétrole Alaska

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

On Friday, President Biden declared a ban on new oil development on more than 13 million acres in Alaska. This decision, he says, is about “responding to the urgency of the climate crisis, protecting America’s lands and waters” and honoring responsibilities to future American generations. This area, known as NPR-A, is rich in both biodiversity and resources.

Background to the decision

These regulations, proposed for September 2023, included a mandatory public consultation before being finalized. It blocks the awarding of new leases for the exploitation of hydrocarbons, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The move comes as the Biden administration seeks to bolster its environmental credentials in an election year.

Mixed reactions

Reaction to the announcement was mixed. Environmental groups such as Evergreen and Earthjustice applauded the measure, underlining the particularly acute climate emergency in the Arctic. On the other hand, voices such as Senator Lisa Murkowski and the American Petroleum Institute have criticized the alleged negative impact on the local economy and national energy security.

Ecological and economic impact

The forbidden zone is home to polar bears, grizzly bears, caribou and migratory birds. Local communities depend on these resources for their livelihoods. On the other hand, the ban could affect state revenues and jobs in Alaska, exacerbating the debate between environmental protection and economic development.

Other environmental measures

The Biden administration also announced the blocking of a road project for mineral extraction, as well as new emission standards for vehicles. These initiatives show a renewed commitment to the fight against climate change, although previous decisions have sometimes shown compromises, such as the approval of the Willow project.

The Biden administration’s latest measures reflect an effort to balance environmental protection with economic development, while navigating the complex political landscape of the election year.

The 2025 edition of the Renewable Electricity System Observatory warns of the widening gap between French energy ambitions and industrial reality, requiring immediate acceleration of investments in solar, wind and associated infrastructure.
Kogi State Electricity Distribution Limited reported a ₦1.3bn ($882,011) loss due to power fraud, threatening its operational viability in Kogi State.
More than 40 developers will gather in Livingstone from 26 to 28 November to turn Southern Africa’s energy commitments into bankable and interconnected projects.
Citepa projections confirm a marked slowdown in France's climate trajectory, with emissions reductions well below targets set in the national low-carbon strategy.
The United States has threatened economic sanctions against International Maritime Organization members who approve a global carbon tax on international shipping emissions.
Global progress on electricity access slowed in 2024, with only 11 million new connections, despite targeted efforts in parts of Africa and Asia.
A parliamentary report questions the 2026 electricity pricing reform, warning of increased market exposure for households and a redistribution mechanism lacking clarity.
The US Senate has confirmed two new commissioners to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, creating a Republican majority that could reshape the regulatory approach to national energy infrastructure.
The federal government launches a CAD3mn call for proposals to fund Indigenous participation in energy and infrastructure projects related to critical minerals.
Opportunities are emerging for African countries to move from extraction to industrial manufacturing in energy technology value chains, as the 2025 G20 discussions highlight these issues.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global renewable power capacity could more than double by 2030, driven by the rise of solar photovoltaics despite supply chain pressures and evolving policy frameworks.
Algeria plans to allocate $60 billion to energy projects by 2029, primarily targeting upstream oil and gas, while developing petrochemicals, renewables and unconventional resources.
China set a record for clean technology exports in August, driven by surging sales of electric vehicles and batteries, with more than half of the growth coming from non-OECD markets.
A night-time attack on Belgorod’s power grid left thousands without electricity, according to Russian local authorities, despite partial service restoration the following morning.
The French Academy of Sciences calls for a global ban on solar radiation modification, citing major risks to climate stability and the world economy.
The halt of US federal services disrupts the entire decision-making chain for energy and mining projects, with growing risks of administrative delays and missing critical data.
Facing a potential federal government shutdown, multiple US energy agencies are preparing to suspend services and furlough thousands of employees.
A report reveals the economic impact of renewable energy losses in Chile, indicating that a 1% drop in curtailments could generate $15mn in annual savings.
Faced with growing threats to its infrastructure, Denmark raises its energy alert level in response to a series of unidentified drone flyovers and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Prime Minister dismissed rumours of a moratorium on renewables, as the upcoming energy roadmap triggers tensions within the sector.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.