Joe Biden’s administration recently announced significant measures to protect large areas of federal land in Alaska. These decisions mark a turning point in US environmental policy, contrasting sharply with the initiatives of the previous administration led by Donald Trump. The US government has decided to maintain protection over an 11 million hectare area, blocking all mining, gas and oil development projects in the region. On the other hand, geothermal prospecting is gathering pace in Alaska.
This decision was accompanied by the announcement that construction of the Ambler road, a 340 km infrastructure which would have provided access to areas rich in minerals such as copper, had been definitively halted. This road, crossing more than 3,000 waterways, would have had devastating ecological consequences, affecting threatened fish populations and caribou whose population is already in decline.
Protecting natural wonders
In a statement on X, Joe Biden stressed the importance of protecting these “natural wonders” that are crucial to the livelihoods of local populations. A government analysis revealed that revoking these protections would have lasting negative impacts on wildlife and permafrost. The report also highlights the importance of these lands for hunting and fishing, vital activities for local communities.
The environmental association National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) welcomed the decision, recognizing the efforts of Alaskans who have courageously defended their land. Theresa Pierno, president of the NPCA, said the victory was due to the determination of Alaskans to protect their environment, their food resources and their families.
Precedents and future prospects
This new policy follows an April 2024 decision where the Biden administration had already banned any new oil or gas development in a 5.3 million hectare area of northwest Alaska. However, these measures contrast with the same government’s 2023 approval of giant ConocoPhillips’ Willow oil project, angering environmentalists.
These actions reflect a more balanced approach by the Biden administration, seeking to reconcile economic imperatives with the need to protect the environment and local populations. Recent decisions indicate a tendency to reinforce conservation measures while taking into account economic and political pressures.
The current administration thus seems to be navigating between the demands of energy development and environmental protection, a delicate but crucial balance for the future of America’s federal lands. This dynamic is likely to continue shaping US environmental and energy policies for years to come.
In short, the Biden administration’s recent decisions strengthen land protection in Alaska, illustrating a renewed priority for conservation in the face of industrial projects. This approach could serve as a model for future national and international environmental policies.
