Alaska sued the Biden Administration, accusing it of violating a congressional mandate to allow oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The federal lawsuit filed Monday in Alaska US District Court challenges restrictions imposed on drilling leases in the refuge’s coastal plain.
The lawsuit argues that the US Interior Department’s December 2024 decision limits surface use and occupancy, obstructing oil and gas development. Alaska officials claim the restrictions make developing 400,000 acres designated for drilling nearly impossible.
Governor Mike Dunleavy criticized the administration’s stance, calling it an irrational opposition to responsible energy development. In 2027, Congress authorized oil exploration in the Arctic Refuge through a provision in a Trump-backed tax bill.
However, the Biden administration canceled seven drilling leases during Donald Trump’s Presidency and added restrictions to future lease sales. Alaska officials say these actions undermined their ability to generate revenue from the estimated $1.1 billion Congress anticipated.
The coastal plain, rich in resources and spanning 19.6 million acres, has been a battleground between environmentalists and Alaska leaders. Environmental advocates argue drilling threatens species like polar bears and caribou, while state officials view it as essential for economic growth.
Two drilling leaseholders withdrew in 2022 due to challenges the administration’s policies posed. This month, the Interior Department set to auction leases and faced criticism for imposing additional restrictions.
Alaska’s lawsuit seeks to overturn the December decision and prevent restrictive lease conditions during future sales. The Biden Administration has yet to comment on the lawsuit. As Alaska Sued Biden the leaders emphasize their intent to preserve energy independence while protecting their rights to develop the Arctic refuge.
